The decision to sign with New York City FC was Frank Lampard's back-up plan after he revealed his preference to remain in London, had the club offered him a new contract.
Instead, manager Jose Mourinho and the Chelsea board chose a different direction that featured a more youthful look and made the decision to allow Lampard, 36, to depart as a free agent after 13 years at Stamford Bridge.
“I would have obviously stayed if Chelsea had offered me another year. There was no reason for me to leave," Lampard revealed to The Sun.
Lampard signed with the MLS club during the summer, and later signed a loan deal to play with defending Premier League champions Manchester City, who own New York City FC, until the 2015 MLS season begins.
He went on to say that he would have liked more playing time with the club, but would not have hesitated if a contract was presented. He also expressed his confidence in his ability to compete in the Premier League at an advanced age.
“It wasn’t that I didn’t think I could still do it. If I felt like that I wouldn’t have gone to City on loan," Lampard said.
The youth movement at Chelsea, in Lampard's eyes, started years ago, after the club captured Europe's biggest prize.
“When we won the Champions League I knew there would be some sort of evolution," he said. "Chelsea wanted to bring in some younger players and it was the right move for the club."
Lampard has yet to make an appearance for City, and will likely make his North American debut during New York FC's inaugural game in April 2015.