MANCHESTER -- Manuel Pellegrini has paid a glowing tribute to Frank Lampard, describing the veteran as a Premier League great as the midfielder prepares to make his final appearance for Manchester City.
Lampard will move on to New York City FC after Sunday's home game against Southampton and Pellegrini said he felt honoured that he finished his career in England at the Etihad Stadium.
The former England international is Chelsea's 211-goal record scorer and has struck seven times in 37 games for City since joining them.
Lampard, who won the title three times in his Chelsea career, is the fourth highest scorer in Premier League history, while only Ryan Giggs has made more appearances in the division.
And while Pellegrini often used Lampard as a replacement, he was delighted with the veteran's contribution.
"I am very pleased because I think Frank is one of the most important players who play here in the Premier League," he said in a news conference. "His career is brilliant, he is a great professional and we are proud at this team to have him playing here this season."
Pellegrini is confident that Lampard will exert an influence in Major League Soccer with the fledgling franchise.
"I am sure he will have an important impact for New York City," he added. "They have a very good player with a lot of experience and more than that a very good professional who will involve all the team in the targets that club needs."
Lampard has started City's last five games and could be in line to begin again as two other midfielders are ruled out of the Southampton game.
Samir Nasri remains sidelined while Fernando, who sat out the 4-2 win over Swansea last week, will also miss the clash with Ronald Koeman's team.
City sold Scott Sinclair to Aston Villa this week after the winger only started three games in the three seasons following his move from Swansea.
"I don't know what will happen for him in the future but I suppose one day he will demonstrate why he was a player here in this team," Pellegrini said.