LA Galaxy coach Bruce Arena says they tried to recruit Frank Lampard

Lampard will join up with NYC FC squad on July 1st

LA Galaxy manager Bruce Arena revealed that they tried really hard to sign Frank Lampard, but it New York City FC who eventually won the battle for his signature. Lampard will join up with squad from July 1. He had spent last season on loan at Manchester City FC which in fact shares owners with NYCFC and baseball team New York Yankees.

"We recruited Frank pretty hard here," Arena told MirrorSport. "The deal was close.“

He also said that they talk to most players who are willing to move to the MLS and that they met Lampard as well. Arena feels that Lampard has a lot to contribute to US football.

"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."

But the New York based side went on and signed Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, which was made public by Gerrard himself last January. Frank Lampard will be joined by Spainish record goal scorer David Villa at New York City FC.

Lampard, 37, made 22 Premier League appearances for City last season, scoring six goal