Frank Lampard has admitted that he is relishing the chance to prolong his on-field rivalry with Steven Gerrard when the pair make their MLS bow later this year.
The 36-year-old will join New York City FC at the end of his spell at Manchester City, while his former England international teammate is to link up with Los Angeles Galaxy.
Gerrard will bring his 28-year association with Liverpool to an end later this month before making the move to America, and ahead of his final home appearance for the club Lampard insists that he has nothing but respect for his opposite number.
"We were in the England squad, as captain and vice-captain, at the last World Cup and I certainly respect him hugely - I always have," he told Sky Sports News. "But when you are going up against each other, you can kind of get caught up in that. I was a Chelsea man and he is Mr Liverpool.
"I had John [Terry] next to me, he had Jamie Carragher - it was one of those things. It was all healthy stuff but as you get older, you mellow slightly and you just respect him for what he's done in his career. What a fantastic player he has been for Liverpool and England, and he's a fantastic bloke.
"I think it's great for us that we have both made the decision to go there. We're at the back end of our careers – we know that - but we're still very driven and we'll want to do well. I'm pleased he is there. It's great for the league, it's great for us at this time in our lives to go and play there and I look forward to playing against him there."
Gerrard has won two FA Cups, three League Cups and a Champions League title during his Anfield career.
Daniel Lewis
