Frank Lampard has praised the decision of Steven Gerrard to bring an end to his time at Liverpool, as the Reds midfielder prepares to move to LA Galaxy upon his contract expiry in the summer. After spending many years locking horns in the Premier League, the two legendary midfielders will now do battle across the pond as Lampard joins up with newly formed New York City FC.
“I look forward to being competitive against Stevie," said Lampard, when asked about the pair. "We get on very well, particularly in our latter years, as captain and vice-captain of England. I’ve a huge amount of respect for him and look forward to getting up against him out there. I’ve said it before, but the league is really coming on and people in Europe and the top leagues are talking about it. Players will go there and the league is growing in a solid way. I know the foundations of it and people like Steven Gerrard going there, David Villa and Kaka, it is going to help the league.”
Gerrard announced his decision to leave Liverpool at the start of January after 17 seasons at the club, and it comes off the back of a frustrating few months for the midfielder. Gerrard's unfortunate slip during a home game against Chelsea last season saw Demba Ba put the visitors ahead, and it is seen as the key moment which lost Liverpool a possible title victory. Since then, Gerrard captained Liverpool through their poor UEFA Champions League group stage performance, and was sent off during his final game against Manchester United on Sunday afternoon just 40 seconds after coming on, for a stamp on Ander Herrera.
There is still hope for both Liverpool and Gerrard, as they remain in with a small chance of qualifying for next season's Champions League, and they are still in the FA Cup; albeit with a replay ahead against Championship outfit Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park. Lampard explained that he fully backs Gerrard's decision, as he believes that the 34-year-old has done all he can for his boyhood club.
“I’m pleased for Stevie. I think it’s a very good move for him. What more can he do at Liverpool? He’s had a fantastic career. I think only individuals know the right time for them. I wasn’t sure about my time as a Chelsea player. The decision got made for me. When the decision is not made for you, and you have to make it yourself, then it’s more difficult.
Only he knows that and I think at the minute I would say yes because what more can he do? If not their greatest player, he will be right up there with the greatest players ever. I think maybe there’s a time at the club, when I look back at my time at Chelsea, and that Chelsea will move on and carry on. I am sure Stevie will look at Liverpool and see it the same way. Then you look at yourself and think ‘how can I finish in the right way’ – and Stevie will do that.”