Chelsea legend Frank Lampard is set for a sensational return to the English Premier League only a couple of weeks after saying goodbye to the Blues and heading for New York City.
Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has persuaded Lampard to join them before he joins New York City Football Club next year.
The Premier League champions are confident of securing the veteran England midfielder as a player as the league season approaches next week.
The move would be a sensational mood change by Lampard, 36, who always insisted he would never play for another Premier League club.
Lampard does not want to damage his relationship with the Chelsea faithful, so will sit out the Sept. 21 encounter at the Etihad between the two teams. Much in demand, the England international has already agreed an autumn switch to join City’s sister side Melbourne City to play in the Australian A-League alongside former Spain international David Villa.
But while a change of heart will disappoint Melbourne, it has no say as the City Football Group, which owns the club, also owns the Premier League Champions as well as the MLS franchise. Lampard is keen for first-team action and wants assurances that he will not be a part-time player if he agrees to go to the Etihad.
Lampard scored 211 goals in 649 matches over 13 years at Chelsea to become the club’s record scorer.
He signed a two-year deal with New York City last month but the MLS season does not start until March.
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti, who worked with Lampard while Chelsea manager between 2009-11, is shocked by the move,. He said: “I’m really surprised because I thought Lampard was going to the USA to play. But he’s a good signing for Manchester City.”
Related Videos
