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Pellegrini hails 'world-class' Lampard

Manchester City have formally completed the loan signing of Frank Lampard with manager Manuel Pellegrini celebrating the arrival of a "world-class midfielder" in a deal he believes will work "perfectly" for everyone.

Chelsea's record goalscorer has signed from New York City until January and the 36 year old says it will allow him to be in top shape for the start of the 2015 Major League Soccer season.

Lampard, who scored 211 goals in 649 games for Chelsea, was recently announced as a New York City player, one of the three they are allowed to sign under the salary cap-breaking David Beckham rule, as the new club assembles a squad.

"Joining up with Manchester City is a fantastic opportunity for me to continue to train and play at the top level and make sure I am in top condition for New York City," he told the Manchester City website.

"It has been an amazing few days for me since the unveiling in Brooklyn and everyone connected with both clubs has been fantastic. This is a new chapter of my career and I'm really excited about the experience.

"I met Manuel and some of the players in New York and I'm looking forward to getting into training and making a contribution for City ahead of my move over to New York."

Pellegrini added: "Frank is a world-class midfielder and this is an opportunity which works perfectly for everyone: the player, Manchester City, and New York City.

"I'm looking forward to working with him and integrating him into our squad. New York have made a fantastic signing by recruiting Frank. 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."

New York City Sporting Director Claudio Reyna, said: "This is the perfect opportunity for Frank. He is in great shape following the World Cup. Training and playing with our colleagues in Manchester will enable to Frank to be fit and ready for our inaugural training camp.

"Everyone has been hugely impressed with Frank's positivity and I'm sure he will bring a lot to City during his stint with the club."

City, who sold midfielder Jack Rodwell to Sunderland on Tuesday, hope to make one more signing this summer.

They have been close to a deal for Porto defender Eliaquim Mangala, who will cost £32m, for several weeks but it still has not been ratified.

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