LA Galaxy tried to sign Lampard before New York City FC deal, says Bruce Arena
Frank Lampard is set to join New York City FC on July 1 following the completion of his protracted move from Manchester City, but if LA Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena had his way, the English midfielder's MLS adventure would have started in California.
Arena claims his team tried to sign Lampard prior to the 36-year-old agreeing to a deal with the New York-based expansion side.
"We recruited Frank pretty hard here," Arena told MirrorSport. "The deal was close.
"We talk to pretty much every single player that is interested in coming to the U.S. and certainly when you hear Frank Lampard is willing, you're gonna have a lengthy conversation
"I got to know Frank and visited him in London and he's a fabulous person and player and he's really going to help football here in America. He's going to do really well."
After missing out on Lampard, who scored six goals in 22 appearances with City while playing a reserve role this past season, the Galaxy went ahead and nabbed fellow English midfielder Steven Gerrard.
Not a bad consolation prize.
- With h/t to ESPN FC