Wenger and Mourinho speak out on Lampard’s shock City move.
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Arsenal and Chelsea managers Arsene Wenger and Jose Mourinho have both had their say on the surprise move that has seen Frank Lampard join Manchester City on loan, the Daily Mail reports.
Mourinho has insisted that he holds no hard feelings towards the midfielder, who only left Stamford Bridge at the end of last season after coming to the end of his contract, bringing to an end a legendary career with the London club.
Wenger, meanwhile, admitted he is concerned that loan moves like this may be a way for City to attempt to get around Financial Fair Play regulations, with their franchise clubs such as New York City and others spending money on the players, and Manuel Pellegrini’s side enjoying the benefits by bringing them in on temporary deals.
On switching from Chelsea to one of their rivals, Mourinho said: “He is a free agent he can choose his club so I have no problem at all. When he comes to Stamford Bridge he is welcome.”
On the issues of Financial Fair Play, Wenger said: “Lampard’s move to Manchester City is a surprise as after the statements we heard, it looks like all these ‘City’ clubs will feed the main club.
“I heard they want to buy five clubs all around the world. I don’t know the rules well enough.
“They bought the New York franchise for $100m in the States to play next season and at moment the players they sign cannot play until next year.
“They will register in the clubs where they will put them and they can get out on loan. Is it a way to get around (financial) fair play? I don’t know.”
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