New York City FC midfielder Frank Lampard has announced he will be leaving the club when his two-year contract expires at the end of 2016.
The highly decorated goal-scoring midfielder, 38, signed for New York City in 2014 and made a total of 31 appearances for his new club, scoring 15 goals and making three assists.
Lampard left Chelsea, with whom he scored a club record 211 goals from 648 appearances, but joined Manchester City on loan from New York City in a move which angered New York City fans.
His first season with New York City was blighted by injury after he belatedly arrived following his short stint with Manchester City.
In his second season with New York City, Lampard helped his team make the MLS play-offs although they lost 7-0 on aggregate against Toronto FC this month.
Lampard told NYCFC.com: “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.
“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.”
Lampard had already expressed an interest in going into coaching following an interview with Match of the Day host Gary Lineker and hinted about a future announcement on his Instagram page.
He added: “I leave with many great memories as I embark on the next stage of my career and I’ll be making an announcement very soon.”
New York City’s head coach, Patrick Vieira, also paid tribute to a player who has scored goals wherever he has been.
Vieira said: “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.
“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.”
It’s expected that Chelsea will offer a role to a man who has been a legend for them over 13 years if Lampard opts to retire from playing.