Former England international midfielder Frank Lampard is looking forward to finally making the move to MLS, insisting he has no regrets about leaving the English Premier League.
Lampard, who joined seven goals and two assists in 30 appearances in all competitions, albeit just seven starts, for Manchester City in 2014/15.
However, the 36-year-old’s spell at the Etihad Stadium is nearing an end, as he prepares to cross the Atlantic to join New York City FC.
“I am very excited. I am very fortunate about this part of my career, coming to City. It was something I never saw coming,” Lampard said.
“At 36, I got asked to come to the champions and a club with this pedigree. I am delighted that happened as it has done, and I am delighted about the future and the opportunity to go and play in New York.
“I’ve watched their games and thought they looked fantastic, the home game particularly. I thought the atmosphere in the ground, the crowd – I’ve had feedback from inside the club about what a buzz there is for it in the city. I was delighted for the lads.
“There were question marks over it before – this is a completely new thing for so many of us. Who knows? What I do know is the people behind the scenes have done an amazing job. I hope it goes from strength to strength.”
Additionally, Lampard has admitted he has already checked the schedule to see when he will face former Three Lions team-mate Steven Gerrard, who will be leaving Liverpool to join the LA Galaxy at the end of the season.
“August 23!” Lampard said. “It’s at their place.
“I am pleased for Stevie. I think it is a very good move for him and I think it is great for the league. People in Europe at the top leagues are talking about MLS. Players will go there.
“I look forward to being competitive against Stevie. We get on very well, particularly in our latter years as captain and vice-captain of England. I have a huge amount of respect for him.”
Manchester City (18-7-5), currently priced at 20/1 to win the Premier League, are scheduled to take on Alan Pardew’s in-form Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Monday, 6 April 2015.
In other news, Chelsea F.C. goalkeeper Petr Cech has hinted he will leave the club when the transfer window re-opens in July.
“I don’t know what the club’s idea will be. It looks like it works well with me and Thibaut as a duo,” said the Czech Republic international.
“But that can work for one season only. I don’t want another one like this.”
Cech has kept four clean-sheets in five EPL starts for the Blues in 2014/15.
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