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Lampard will move to New York, says MLS chief Garber

Along with David Villa, Frank Lampard was one of New York City's marquee signings © AP

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Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber says Frank Lampard will join up with New York City in the summer and rejected suggestions the club is merely a farm team for Premier League champions Manchester City.

Lampard signed for the newest American franchise when his 13 years at Chelsea ended in July, but with New York City not joining MLS until March, Lampard took up a short-term deal with Manuel Pellegrini's side.

The contract was due to finish on December 31 but was extended until the end of the season, leaving New York's fans furious and Pellegrini wondering if Lampard would ever move to the States.

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But speaking to Sports Illustrated, Garber said: "I sensed this was coming and it didn't surprise me when they ultimately made their decision. You're dealing with a very unusual set of circumstances.

"Frank has become one of the most important players in Manchester City's season, and he's scored critical goals to have them tied for first place in the Premier League."

Nonetheless, Garber admitted the way things shook out with Lampard's move to New York was perhaps a bit confusing for fans and understood their frustration, but remained confident the club would easily mend those fences.

"If there was an error in judgment on this, it was not just announcing that he would come in July and figuring out how to manage the start of the season," Garber added.

"[It is] no different than what happened with Robbie Keane or Thierry Henry or David Beckham.

"I think it's important to say this: These guys [New York City] are very committed to MLS and committed to New York. They have made an unprecedented investment in MLS and New York City, and they are going to continue to do so."

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