• Premier League

Lampard insists he will join New York City

Frank Lampard has ruled out extending his stay at Manchester City and will join up with New York City at the end of the current Premier League season.

The 36-year-old midfielder agreed to join the new Major League Soccer side, who do not play their first competitive game until March, when he left Chelsea last summer.

He then joined the Premier League champions on a short-term deal which, on December 31, was extended to cover the remainder of the European campaign.

The Premier League cleared Manchester City of any wrongdoing on Thursday but claimed Lampard has "no agreement" with New York City, raising doubts over whether he will ever play for them.

City clarify Lampard situation

• Manchester City appear to have clarified the Premier League's statement on the ownership of Frank Lampard.
• Sources at the Premier League champions told ESPN they have accepted New York City's initial statement that Lampard had a two-year contract, beginning in August 2014, with them was a mistake, along with Manchester City's subsequent claim that he had signed for them on loan.
• In fact, Lampard signed a short-term deal with the English club until December 31, which was then extended on New Year's Eve to cover the rest of the European season.

However, Lampard said: "I want to make it completely clear about my situation as I have read a lot of lies and nonsense over the last few days.

"When I was released from Chelsea last year at the end of my contract, I signed a commitment to play in NYCFC for two years starting January 1, 2015. I was then offered the chance to train and be part of the Man City squad in the interim to keep myself in the best shape going into New York.

"This period has now been extended by Man City and I will start playing for NYCFC at the end of the current Premier League season. There has always been constant dialogue between all parties to find the best solution for everyone. I can say I am very excited about arriving in New York and giving everything to the team to make us a success in MLS as soon as possible."

Both MLS commissioner Don Garber and New York City director of football Claudio Reyna have said they expect Lampard to link up with NYC in the summer.

The former England international has scored seven goals in 19 games for Manchester City, prompting suggestions manager Manuel Pellegrini might want to keep him for next season.

Frank Lampard has starred for Manchester City this season © Getty Images

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