Lampard announces New York City FC exit

Iconic ex-England midfielder Frank Lampard announced Monday his departure from New York City FC, taking to Instagram to tell followers his time with the club has come to an end.

The club confirmed Lampard's statement, announcing the 38-year-old will be departing the club upon the expiry of his contract at the end of 2016.

"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," Lampard wrote on Instagram.

"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."

Lampard first signed for NYCFC prior to the team officially kicking off in MLS, and made 31 total appearances for the club, scoring 15 goals. He was instrumental in NYCFC's rise in the Eastern Conference and subsequently helped the team secure a franchise-first playoff berth in its second season.

Often played by head coach Patrick Vieira alongside fellow European stars Andrea Pirlo and Andoni Iraola, he enjoyed a strong conclusion to his time at NYCFC, despite starting his New York adventure with plenty of critics.

Lampard was labeled the "most overrated" player in MLS after his debut season, and went into the 2016 campaign facing plenty of skepticism and doubt. But the former Chelsea man turned back the years this season, notching 12 goals and recording three assists over 20 total appearances.

Coincidentally, he made the announcement on the same day his compatriot and England teammate, Steven Gerrard, announced he would be leaving the LA Galaxy.