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NYCFC can extend Lampard's stay past Dec. 31 contract expiry

Reuters

New York City FC star midfielder Frank Lampard could have his MLS journey extended by another year if the club so chooses as the terms of his deal reportedly includes a 1-year extension clause that must be triggered by Dec. 31, according to Simon Stone from BBC Sport.

While Lampard's postseason hopes were extinguished Sunday courtesy of a 7-0 aggregate demolition at the hands of Toronto FC, the 38-year-old still enjoyed a surprisingly stellar 2016 campaign after a poor start to his MLS career, scoring 12 goals in 16 appearances and helping his team clinch a franchise-first playoff berth.

Such was his turnaround year that Lampard was even nominated for the MLS Comeback Player of the Year award.

Related: 5 things we learned in the MLS playoff conference semifinals

While there's no indication from NYCFC head coach Patrick Vieira regarding Lampard's future at Yankee Stadium, the French tactician was still pleased with the former Chelsea man at the end of the regular season.

"Frank is really important for us because when we start pushing for this playoff spot, that was related to Frank coming back to the team," Vieira said, according to Dylan Butler from MLSsoccer. "That was when we were playing well and it’s always good to have him back in the team."

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