"I want to make it completely clear as I have read a lot of lies and nonsense over the last few days." How does a Premier League legend end up being so valuable so quickly to Premier League champions that it causes a crisis on another continent?
In the 2014/15 season, Frank Lampard and Manchester City found out the hard way. The sun had shone on Brooklyn Bridge Park in July 2014, an iconic location for what the Blues hoped would be an iconic announcement: Lampard was to be a marquee signing for their new MLS franchise New York City FC.
One of the greatest midfielders seen in England, the veteran had said goodbye to Chelsea after 13 memorable years and was ready for a new adventure. ALSO READ: Pep Guardiola silences critics with £411m transfer response ALSO READ: UEFA restrict Man City transfer movement and confirm Champions League decision It seemed perfect for all parties.
City got to convince skeptics and critics that New York City would not just be an outpost of the Manchester mothership, a Premier League great could shine on a different stage without risking his Chelsea legacy, and help keep the trend of quality and professionalism in MLS ticking upwards.
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