New York City FC boss Jason Kreis has shown his support for Frank Lampard and his decision to delay his move to Major League Soccer from Manchester City until July.
Lampard extended his stay with City last week and has been receiving criticism for his decision.
However, Kreis has taken a different view on the matter and insists that it is a "compliment" that the league can attract such high talent.
"I think it's been confusing for a lot of people and I'm not sure that I understand why," Kreis told reporters.
"For us, we've been certain all along that Frank is coming in July. He's done extremely well, I think probably better than any of us would've thought he would've done, and it's a matter of circumstance. These things happen in soccer.
"So what was originally going to be [that] he was going to be here from day one of the pre-season now changes to July and, in some ways, that's a very positive thing for our team, for our group and for MLS in general that we're able to attract those types of players."
Lampard has recently responded to allegations that he lied, insisting that he was always going to join NYCFC in the summer.
Sam McEvoy
