Manchester City midfielder Frank Lampard has revealed that he wants to repeat his Chelsea Champions League success with the Citizens.
Lampard was a mainstay of the Chelsea midfield for over a decade before he joined Manuel Pellegrini’s side last summer. In a glittering career in the Blues’ midfield, the former England international went on to win three Premier League titles, four FA Cups and the Champions League in 2012.
Since becoming part of the Citizens’ squad, Lampard has scored five Premier League goals and assisted a further two.
Manchester City have found the going tough in the Champions League since their first attempt at European football’s premier competition in the 2011/12 season.
After going out at the group stage in their first two seasons in the Champions League, Pellegrini’s side made it to the round of 16 last season where they stumbled out after losing 4-1 to Barcelona over the two legs.
relatedNewsStory
Lampard believes that Champions League success doesn’t come easy and Chelsea too faced numerous hiccups along the way before they eventually triumphed.
“There were many years when I was at Chelsea when success was very close – I think I’ve played in four or five semi-finals and also lost a final against Manchester United so to actually win it in 2012 was extra sweet and undoubtedly the best night of my career to date”, Lampard told the club site.
However, the 36-year-old admitted that it is his desire to help Manchester City triumph in the Champions League, just as Chelsea did.
“I’d love to City do the same and I think it’s the club’s next step – there will be disappointments along the way and I know that there have been some hard times in this competition in recent years and Chelsea had many hard times as well – but that’s what happens when you are up against the best."
Lampard acknowledged that their Champions League round of 16 opponents Barcelona will be tough cookie to crack, but believes that in order to triumph in Europe they will have to beat opponents of the highest pedigree.
“It is difficult to win against these teams – but to go on and win it you have to win matches like this.”
Manchester City will host the Catalans in the first leg of their tie on 24th February before they play the reverse fixture at the Camp Nou in March.
Don't bet on football until you've visited Inside Bet! Interesting markets, top tips, betting facts – get all the info before you bet.
