• Premier League

Lampard: I was on auto-pilot at Chelsea

Frank Lampard says he felt the need to prove himself all over again at Manchester City after playing on "auto-pilot" at Chelsea.

At the age of 36, Lampard has long been established as one of the midfield greats of the Premier League era in England, but he admitted he fell into the comfort zone during the latter part of his record-breaking 13-year stay at Chelsea.

Yet it seems as if he is enjoying an unexpected final hurrah in the Premier League, as he looks to continue his fine form when City take on Hull this weekend.

Lampard coy on City stay

• Frank Lampard has suggested it is not up to him whether his loan deal at Manchester City is extended.
• He is due to return to America in January to prepare for New York's maiden MLS season, which begins in March and the American club's head coach Jason Kreis said there was "no truth" to stories Lampard would remain in England for longer.
• However, with Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed owning both clubs, a deal could well be flexible. Lampard, though, is just focused on the present.
• He said: "That argument's come up since I scored at the weekend. I think the important thing for me is to play well if I can, train well and then we'll see what happens. I'm signed here until January so that's all I can say at the minute."

"I was at Chelsea such a long time that you just go on auto-pilot in the end," Lampard said. "You drive in every day, you know everybody behind the scenes.

"It was a tester for me to be honest. I didn't have to make this decision, but it was a very good opportunity for me to play at this level and train at this level, and it's a personal test to come up to Manchester. I was in very much of a comfort zone at Chelsea. It's good to test yourself in life.

"All I can say is I am enjoying it. I've always been proud of my fitness and trying to keep as fresh as I can. At the end of the day, I'm very fortunate.

"Not many players get the opportunity at 36 to come and play amongst this amount of quality. When you look around the dressing room, there's so much of it, and it's an honour to come in and be able to play amongst that.

"I was in pure holiday mode when I got the call to come back here. I've had a really good preseason now. Considering I wasn't involved in the first few games, that's been extra training time for me.

"I feel good and I'm just actually really enjoying training and playing. The lads are great, the people behind the scenes have welcomed me, the staff, the manager, Brian Kidd. It's been an easy transition."

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