<
        >

          Frank Lampard to leave New York City FC with contract expiring

          play
          Video via MLS: NYCFC 0-5 Toronto FC (1:57)

          Toronto started fast and never looked back, slamming NYCFC 5-0, with Sebastian Giovinco grabbing a playoff hat-trick. (1:57)

          • ESPN staffNov 14, 2016, 09:19 AM ET

          Frank Lampard will leave New York City FC when his contract expires next month, with the midfielder planning an an announcement on his future soon.

          Former Chelsea player Lampard, 38, joined NYCFC in 2014 and made 31 appearances, scoring 15 goals.

          He told the club's official website: "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 added on his Instagram account: "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."

          NYCFC coach Patrick Vieira paid tribute to the ex-England international's contribution.

          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."

          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. All the people that work behind the scenes at NYCFC have made it so easy for me to work and settle here. 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. 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. @nycfc

          A photo posted by Frank Lampard (@franklampard) on

          Sporting director Claudio Reyna added: "On and off the pitch he has been a fantastic ambassador. I would tell any young player to watch Frank, to see how he's conducted himself over the last two years and to use that as inspiration as to how an elite, professional footballer should approach the game.

          "From the second he walked through the door, he's set the example.

          "Frank will always be part of the history of this club and we thank him for playing an important role in so many special moments in our young history."

          Lampard was first unveiled as a new signing by NYCFC in July 2014 before being loaned to sister club Manchester City for six months.

          The midfielder went on to controversially extend his stay at City until the end of the 2014-15 season, with it emerging that he had not yet actually signed a contract to become an official NYCFC player.

          Lampard eventually linked up with the MLS club in July 2015 but struggled during his first season as NYCFC finished outside the playoff spots.

          The former England international, however, became a key player for the side the following campaign, scoring 12 goals in 20 appearances as NYCFC made it to the Eastern Conference semifinals, where they were thrashed 7-0 by Toronto FC over two legs earlier this month.