Lampard issue ‘finished’

Manuel Pellegrini wants a line to be drawn under the Frank Lampard contract saga saying the issue is now "finished" — while holding out the player may play for Manchester City again next season.

City yesterday admitted making mistakes in the way the former Chelsea midfielder’s move to the Etihad Stadium was reported. It was announced on New Year’s Eve that he would remain with the Premier League champions until the end of the season. That announcement has delayed his debut with sister club New York until midway through their first Major League Soccer campaign to the anger of many fans in the United States.

City boss Pellegrini said: “I think it’s an issue which is finished. Frank now is here. I know that there a lot of different opinions about Frank, about that. I respect all of them, but the decision is taken already and Frank will stay here until the end of the season.”