Defending English Premier League champions Manchester City have decided to award Frank Lampard an extension to his six-month loan with the Citizens until the end of the season after impressing at the Etihad.
The former Chelsea midfielder, who signed for Major League Soccer side New York FC, Manchester City’s sister club, after exiting Stamford Bridge last season, has substantially aided Manuel Pellegrini’s crew’s push for the title.
Struck with injury crisis, the Blues legend has lodged in six goals for the Citizens so far, including that infamous equalizer against his former employers back in September, his debut goal in a Manchester City jersey.
The club announced in a statement the 36-year-old Englishman’s loan extension, delaying his return to New York City FC, saying:
"Manchester City can confirm that it has extended Frank Lampard’s contract up to the end of Manchester City’s season.”
This decision to remain at the Etihad until the end of the season means Lampard will return to Stamford Bridge on 31 January wearing another blue shirt when Chelsea host Pellegrini’s side. This move left many of the Blues fans fuming, labeling “Super Frank” a traitor on Twitter.
Chelsea fans blast Frank Lampard after Man City announced an extension to his Etihad loan
Traitor, Traitor Frank, Traitor, Traitor Frank, Traitor, Traitor Frank, traitor Frankie Lampard
— Reiss (@SchuerrIe) December 31, 2014
So Lampard decides to extend his loan at Man City? the making of a traitor.......#CFC #cfclive
— Amon Kimeli (@arap_chief) December 31, 2014
Traitor watch - Frank Lampard
— ifeanyi (@BlueFromNigeria) December 31, 2014
Liverpool fans hating on Gerrard. Chelsea fans hating on Lampard. What a time to be alive.
— Rashad (@Mourinholic) December 31, 2014
Welcome to the alternative universe of 2015 where Chelsea fans love Arsenal Legend Cesc Fabregas & Hate City Legend Frank Lampard
— Scott (@MadMontana) December 31, 2014
I don't know if he still counts as a LEGEND. I won't like to call him a traitor tho, but i bet he's dropping off on fans fav blue #LAMPARD
— Olumide (@Mide_Yosef) December 31, 2014
Claudio Reyna, the director of football at New York City FC, remained adamant over Lampard’s commitment to the Major League Soccer club however despite his decision not to return for the beginning of the new season, stating:
"Frank is a star and it is no surprise that Manchester City is rewarded by his contributions on the field every single day.
"He is eager to get to New York once his commitment ends in England and will be available to play on arrival as a permanent member of the squad given he will come to us having played at the highest level.
"We are all committed to making sure we build a winning team and that our fans get to enjoy great soccer at every single game.
"The opportunities open in the immediate transfer window combined with our recent successful draft ensure that we can continue to assemble a world class team that will make New York City soccer fans proud."
