Football
Richard Jolly, ESPN.com writer 9y

Frank Lampard will get 'best reception' on Chelsea return

MANCHESTER -- Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has said he expects Frank Lampard to get a great reception when he makes his first return to Stamford Bridge this weekend.

The Chilean believes Lampard, Chelsea's 211-goal record scorer, may also be their most important-ever player. On Saturday, the midfielder goes back to his former club in City's colours.

Lampard was applauded by Chelsea fans in the reverse fixture at the Etihad Stadium in September -- in which he scored City's late equaliser -- but it has been speculated that some Blues supporters will turn on him for his decision to join their title rivals.

The 36-year-old initially arrived at the Etihad Stadium on a short-term deal which was then extended to the end of the season, but Pellegrini argues that he did nothing wrong because Chelsea failed to offer him a new contract.

He told a news conference: "I don't only expect, I am sure that Frank Lampard will receive the best reception from their fans that they can do.

"He is a top player. He is maybe the most important in their history. He gave so many things to that club.

"If he couldn't continue playing there, he can play here. That is not his fault. I am sure the fans will repeat the reception they gave here to Frank in the first game."

Lampard's father, Frank Lampard senior, said the former England international, who did not celebrate when he scored against Chelsea earlier in the season, would also not do so if he scored at Stamford Bridge.

But Pellegrini said his main concern was to see the midfielder find the net again, adding: "First, I prefer him to score the goal. After that we will see if he celebrates or if he doesn't celebrate. If he scores, I will celebrate."

City could receive an injury boost with Samir Nasri making a quicker than expected return from the calf injury that had been thought likely to rule him out for up to four weeks.

The Frenchman has missed City's last two games but could be a substitute, although centre-back Elaqiuim Mangala, who has a shoulder problem, is a doubt.

"Samir Nasri is coming back," Pellegrini said. "I don't know if he is 100 percent fit. We will see tomorrow [Saturday] with the doctor, but he worked the last two days with the squad.

"Maybe it is too soon for him, but we will decide if he can be on the bench. Mangala had a small problem with his shoulder."

City have let Scott Sinclair join Aston Villa on loan with a view to a permanent move, and Pellegrini is tipping the winger for success at his new club.

He said: "I am very very happy for the player because it is an important chance to return his career [to the right track].

"Maybe he didn't have too many chances here because we have important and top players in his position, but I am sure if he starts playing there he will demonstrate what a good player he is."

Pellegrini revealed that City could loan midfielder Bruno Zuculini, who has featured only irregularly for Valencia, to another club for the remainder of the season.

He said: "We will see what happens with Bruno. He is not playing for Valencia. It is very important for him to play this year. We will see in the next days until the close of the transfer window what will happen to him."

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