Fans of New York City FC, you may have to wait a little while longer to see Frank Lampard suit up in NYC.
According to reports Lampard, who is currently on loan to NYC FC’s sister club Manchester City in the Premier League, could remain with the Citizens up until the start of the 2015 Major League Soccer season due to Yaya Toure’s involvement in the African Cup of Nations.
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Lampard, 36, has become somewhat of a cult-figure at the Etihad Stadium and has scored four goals in eight appearances for City this season including a late equalizer against his former club Chelsea.
The reason why Manuel Pellegrini and City want Lampard to stick around is because the Ivory Coast sealed qualification to the 2015 African Cup of Nations, which will take place from Jan. 17 to Feb. 8 in Equatorial Guinea.
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In a report from the Guardian on the matter, it is suggested that New York City FC are finalizing plans to spend over a month at Man City’s training base throughout January in the build up to their first-ever MLS season and will play several friendlies in England’s north west to act as a preseason. That would be crucial for City’s wish to keep Lampard around as he could conceivably spend plenty of time with new coach Jason Kreis and integrate himself with his new team, while still giving City a helping hand until Toure returns from international duty.
It was originally thought that Lampard’s loan would end at the beginning of January, but with City’s playing against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Jan. 31, it would allow Lampard -- Chelsea’s record goalscorer and one of their greatest ever players -- to say a final and proper farewell to the fans who adore him.
Is seems like Lampard could be sticking around in England for a little while longer.
