Pellegrini: Lampard not betraying Cheslea
Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has been bemused by Chelsea fans who are calling Frank Lampard a traitor.
The 36-year-old midfielder joined new Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise New York City FC after he was released by Chelsea.
He was then sent back to England on loan with City till January in order to maintain his fitness levels before the new MLS season.
The Chelsea legend's decision to don the jersey of a Premier League rival has left Chelsea fans fuming, something that Pellegrini cannot comprehend.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of City's Charity Shield match against Arsenal, the Chilean said: "I don't understand the reaction of Chelsea fans who say he is a traitor.
"The problem was not that Frank Lampard did not want to sign another contract with Chelsea - Chelsea didn't want him any more.
"He is a competitive player, he will be important for our team and we didn't spend any money on him, so the rules of financial fair play don't have any relation with Lampard."
Fair deal
Pellegrini also hit back at Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who believes the Lampard loan deal was a way for City to circumvent Uefa's strict financial fair play rules as City own NYCFC.
"Was it done correctly? I think so," said the former Real Madrid manager.
"I think as managers we have enough problems with our own teams to be talking about other teams.
"The only thing I can say is that we have important restrictions about the amount of money we can spend, and Frank Lampard was a free player."
Sources: AFP, PA Sport
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