Legend Lampard To Leave NYCFC At Conclusion Of Season
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Despite struggles with numerous injuries, Frank Lampard left his mark during his short stay in the Big Apple.
Arguably the greatest goal-scoring midfielder the sport has ever seen, Lampard announced over the weekend via New York City FC's official website that he will leave the Major League Soccer club following the conclusion of the 2016 season. The 38-year-old signed with NYCFC in 2014, prior to the club's inaugural season last year.
When Lampard was healthy he was a dynamic offensive player for NYCFC, scoring 15 goals in 31 appearances. However, he missed 37 matches during his two seasons in New York, often drawing the ire of frustrated fans.
Lampard appeared in 19 matches this season and played an integral role in NYCFC qualifying for the playoffs for the first time. He finished with 12 goals and three assists in the regular season, including scoring the first hat trick in team history during a 5-1 win over Colorado on July 30 at Yankee Stadium.
"As my time at NYCFC comes to an end, I would like to thank so many people for the kindness and support that they have shown me over the last two years," Lampard told NYCFC.com. "My teammates have been a pleasure to play alongside. The amazing fans have given me incredible support and backing.
"I have very much enjoyed my time, and I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to play for such a great club and in such an incredible city," he added.
NYCFC head coach Patrick Vieira said Lampard's impact on the club will not be easily replaced.
"Everybody talks about Frank's goal-scoring record from midfield, but I can tell you after a year of working with him, he brings so much more to a team than just goals," Vieira said. "What Frank has brought to the locker room is something just as important -- his experience, his elite mentality and his mentorship for the younger members of our squad have helped us greatly this year.
"It is clear that Frank has embraced playing in this league and for this club. I am grateful for his service in my first year here and I wish him the very best in whatever he chooses to do next," Vieira added.
As for Lampard's next stop in a career that has included a decade-plus run with famed English Premier League side Chelsea FC and 106 appearances with England's national team, reports have indicated that he could return to the EPL for one final season before retiring.
"On and off the pitch he has been a fantastic ambassador," NYCFC sporting director Claudio Reyna said of Lampard. "I would tell any young player to watch Frank, to see how he's conducted himself over the last two years and to use that as inspiration as to how an elite, professional footballer should approach the game. From the second he walked through the door, he's set the example.
"Frank will always be part of the history of this club and we thank him for playing an important role in so many special moments in our young history," Reyna added.
