NYCFC Frank Lampard Latest News: Manchester City Player Delays Joining New York City Until July
Frank Lampard will leave Manchester City and will join New York City in July.
Lampard will miss the first four months of the Major League Soccer in New York. In an interview with Sports Illustrated, MLS commissioner Don Garber talked about the issue.
"I'm going to be supportive of all our ownership groups, making them aware of my point of view. But we need to work hard now to move forward and that Frank will be joining this team in July along with other Designated Players, who throughout the history of the Designated Player program have almost always joined in July," Garber said.
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Garber added that the schedule of Lampard's transfer is not something new.
"If there was an error in judgment on this, it was not just announcing that he would come in July and figuring out how to manage the start of the season, no different than what happened with Robbie Keane or Thierry Henry or David Beckham," the commissioner continued.
The decision has angered MLS fans and Garber revealed that he understood the reaction.
"I could understand why their fans are unhappy, and I do believe [NYCFC] will work hard to build back that trust. They've started that process already. I sensed this was coming, and it didn't surprise me when they ultimately made their decision," Garber said.
Lampard is an asset for Manchester City and the commissioner revealed that he discussed the extension with the team's chief executive officer Ferran Soriano.
"They (Manchester City) were faced with a difficult decision. I think it's important to say this: These guys [NYCFC] are very committed to MLS and committed to New York. They have made an unprecedented investment in MLS and New York City, and they are going to continue to do so," the comissioner said.
"This kind of decision is not something in my view that in any way says this is a farm team for Man City. I don't believe in all my dealings with them that they have led us to believe that's true," Garber further explained.
Since Lampard is still with Manchester City, fans can view his game schedule on the team's website.
