Chelsea hero Frank Lampard is set to complete his move to the United States Major League Soccer this week.
The 36-year-old Blues favourite bid an emotional farewell to supporters of the west London outfit in June following a 13-year spell as a Chelsea midfielder, and has confirmed he will head State-side join MLS newcomers New York City FC.
New York City are a brand new club funded by Manchester City owner Sheikh Mansour and will make their debut in the MLS in 2015.
When a proposal was put to free agent Lampard, he envisioned New York City an exciting project and one he could benefit greatly with his years of experience earned playing the UK’s top tier.
His contract will see him kick off the club’s opening season next year and compete against opposition sides including New York Red Bulls, where he will go head-to-head with former Arsenal captain Thierry Henry.
Lampard will become the second big-name signing to join New York City along with ex-Barcelona striker David Villa, who penned a contract with the side in June. Like Lampard, Villa believed the new venture funded by the Man City chief to an “irresistible project” and one he could make a huge impact on.
Lampard will be sorely missed by Chelsea supporters and team-mates alike. During his years at Stamford Bridge he notched up 429 appearances and netted 147 goals, and became the heart of the team along with club captain and fellow Londoner John Terry.
The midfielder was brought in from London-rivals West Ham by former Chelsea coach Claudio Ranieri in 2001 and went on to be part of a successful side built by Jose Mourinho, on the arrival of the Portuguese chief in 2004.
During Lampard’s time with Chelsea he won three Premier League titles, four FA Cups, one Champions League title, one Europa League title and two League Cups.