Friday 9 January 2015 23:31, UK
New York City have admitted they made mistakes in the way they announced details of Frank Lampard's contract situation.
The new MLS franchise said last summer that Lampard had signed a contract to join them on January 1 this year before announcing he would be joining Manchester City on loan until that date.
However, Lampard extended that loan until the end of the season on New Years Eve, prompting anger among New York fans, many of whom had bought season tickets and merchandise under the impression that he would be playing his football in America in 2015.
But New York City have now confirmed that Lampard only signed a "commitment" to his "intention" to play for the MLS franchise with the two clubs' parent company, City Football Group.
New York admitted the unveiling of Lampard as their contracted player last year was "a genuine error which throws everything into confusion (for media and fans). It wasn't a contract. It's an agreement with City Football Group with (his) intention to play for NYCFC."
New York City have moved to clarify the situation surrounding Lampard after the Premier League confirmed on Thursday evening that he is only contracted to Manchester City, and that the former England international did not have any formal contract with the new MLS franchise.
On Friday Lampard issued a statement of his own, in which he insists there has been no issues between the two clubs and that he still intends to move to New York this summer.
He 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 released from Chelsea last year at the end of my contract, I signed a commitment to play in NYCFC for two years starting 1 January 2015.
"I was then offered the opportunity 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 since been extended by Manchester City and I will now start playing for NYCFC at the end of the current Premier League season. There has always been a constant dialogue between all parties in this time to find the best solution for everyone.
"I can say that I am very excited about arriving in New York and giving everything to the team to make us a success in the MLS as soon as possible."
