Lampard settling in to a new City

The former Chelsea and England midfielder is finally ready to make his debut for the first-year franchise he agreed to join back in July 2014, with Sunday's visit of Toronto FC set to provide him with that stage.

Lampard has been using the time which has elapsed since he left Manchester City in May to both train alongside his new team-mates - who include David Villa and the freshly-captured Andrea Pirlo - and sample the sights and sounds of the Big Apple.

The 37-year-old Londoner is feeling fit and happy, and is eager to help turn around the fortunes of a New York side who are struggling down in seventh place in the Eastern Conference.

Lampard told a press conference: "The challenge is to come here and do the best I can - and win. I wouldn't have come here if I didn't think I had a lot left in me.

"My fitness is good. It's a mini pre-season for me. I hope to get to peak fitness as quickly as possible.

"I've been watching all the games. I know every player and how they play. It will be a pleasure to play with them every day.

"My aim is to look forward. All I am is excited to be here now and play my best football."

Lampard, who was introduced along with former Atletico Bilbao defender Andoni Iraola and Manchester City loanee Jose Angel Tasende, is looking forward to linking up with veteran Spanish striker Villa and Italian pass master Pirlo.

Villa has scored eight goals for New York since February and ex-Juventus midfielder Pirlo was announced as the franchise's third designated player on Monday.

"David and Andrea are at the top of the list," said Lampard. "I'm a lucky man to be in the same squad as them.

"I think Pirlo is the best at getting his ball to dip and dive off the free-kick. He can have the first one!"

Lampard has already braved the New York traffic and is already confident on the right side of the road he is planning a mission to the airport.

He added: "I drove the car in the city the other day - which was interesting. I'm a city boy. I'm delighted to be here. I love the sounds.

"I'm blessed to live in a great city like this and play my football here.

"I'm picking my dad up from the airport tomorrow. I have had amazing support from my friends and family throughout my career."