Lampard move suits everyone, says Pellegrini
MANCHESTER City manager Manuel Pellegrini believes England midfielder Frank Lampard’s controversial temporary move to the Premier League champions is an ideal arrangement for all parties.
Lampard, 36, has joined City on loan until January from their sister club New York City FC, having signed for the Major League Soccer newcomers on a free transfer just days earlier.
The move means Chelsea’s alltime top scorer could face his former club as soon as next month, and prompted Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger to question whether the deal amounts to City circumventing restrictions on signings imposed for breaking European financial fair play rules.
Pellegrini, however, is delighted with Lampard’s arrival. “Frank is a world class midfielder and this is an opportunity which works perfectly for everyone, the player, Manchester City, and New York City,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to working with him and integrating him into our squad. New York have made a fantastic signing by recruiting Frank, and I’m really pleased that we’ll be able to have him with us for the first half of our season and help prepare him for his new challenge.”
Lampard called the loan “a fantastic opportunity”, adding: “This is a new chapter in my career and I’m really excited about the experience.”