Arsene Wenger has questioned the legitimacy of Frank Lampard's loan to Manchester City.
Midfielder Lampard signed for Major League Soccer side New York City following his release by Chelsea, only to make a surprise return to the Barclays Premier League with the champions.
The 36-year-old has been in sterling form, scoring three in his last two games at the Etihad Stadium for the Sky Blues, including one against his former employers Chelsea.
Lampard will return to the MLS for the start of their season in March, but with the City looking to extend the loan of the veteran until closer to that date, the Arsenal manager has criticised the legitimacy of the move.
Wenger, who brought former Gunners captain Thierry Henry back from New York Red Bulls during the MLS close season in January 2012, believes any extension of Lampard's current arrangement might not sit well, even if it would be within Premier League guidelines.
"You always have two judgements, one is moral and one is legal and it just depends what you consider," said Wenger.
Fox in the box: Lampard (right) celebrates scoring in Man City's 7-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday
"I think 'is it legal?' You have to respect it after that and the player has to deal with his decisions.
"I respect the fact he wants to play at the top level and he maybe didn't have that opportunity any more at Chelsea.
"I don't really know (what) is behind all that.
"Was it always his plan to go to New York and go to Man City? I am not sure.
"I genuinely think he wanted to go abroad and to New York, and (then) suddenly was offered this solution to come back to the Premier League and he took it.
"He could explain that much better than I do, I don't know what is behind that."
Source: Mirror UK
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