He can't have been on loan if he's available v Sunderland, today. Looks like we've schooled Chelsea, doesn't it?
On the other hand, his missus wouldn't have packed in her job when she did, if they hadn't believed they'd be spending the new year in the Big Apple. So, maybe we surprised ourselves?
Undoubtedly, whoever started the contract here has played an absolute blinder, in leaving all options open, from our point of view.
Part of me can understand the frustration that NYCFC fans must be feeling but, unless they are totally stupid, they will surely understand that they have already gained far, far more from this partnership than they have perceptionally (Hold on, is that even a word..? It is now!) lost.
This, if you like, is their 'pinch'. New Yorkers aren't accustomed to playing second fiddle but, right now - for all their potential - that's exactly what they are.
What's good for Manchester City is ultimately good for New York City. We are the mother ship. For the foreseeable future, five MLS titles in a row won't equal one Premier League, as far as paying the bills goes. Right now, we need Lampard. So we hung onto him. New York fans need to remember their place in the food chain. Their club may not even exist yet, if the Aguerooo moment hadn't happened. That's all that there is to it.
