So who DOES Frank Lampard actually play for?

Frank Lampard's future football career has been thrown into doubt following two days of claim, counter-claim and speculation.

The former Chelsea star was originally thought to have signed for New York City FC following the expiry of his contract at Chelsea, and was subsequently loaned to Manchester City - who share common ownership with NYCFC - to keep in shape while waiting for the new season to begin in the States.

But with the 36-year-old showing that his powers are largely undimmed, playing a crucial role for the English champions in several key matches (not least a 1-1 draw with Chelsea), his loan deal was extended to the end of the season - much to the annoyance of New York's fans.

At least, that is what the situation appeared to be until this week, when the Premier League confirmed that the player's registration was "solely owned" by Manchester City

There has been confusion over the precise nature of Lampard's contract status in relation to both clubs since it was announced on New Year's Eve that he would remain with the Premier League champions until the end of the season. That announcement has delayed his debut with sister club New York until midway through their first Major League Soccer campaign to the anger of many fans in the United States.

On Thursday, the Premier League announced that, after reviewing Lampard's status, it was satisfied his contract was solely owned by Manchester City with no agreement in place between the two clubs - which sparked fresh speculation he might never play in MLS.

But the player himself has now moved to contradict that report by issuing his own statement about the situation - and with it, he has ensured that he, Manchester City, the Premier League and New York City FC have all made statements that, to one degree or another, contradict each other.

"I want to make it completely clear about my situation as I have read a lot of lies and nonsense over the last few days," the statement, released via Steve Kutner Management, said.

"When released from Chelsea last year at the end of my contract I signed a commitment to play for NYCFC for two years starting January 1, 2015. I was then offered the chance to train and be part of the Man City squad in the interim to keep myself in the best shape going into New York.

"This period has since been extended by Man City and I will now start playing for NYCFC at the end of this current Premier League season.

"There has always been a constant dialogue between all parties in this time to find the best solution for everyone. I can say that I am very excited about arriving in New York and giving everything to the team to make us a success in the MLS as soon as possible.

"Thanks everyone for your ongoing support and I wish everyone a healthy and happy 2015!"

When the MLS franchise originally announced his signing in July 2014, they said on their website: "New York City FC signs Frank Lampard to a Designated Player contract ... a two-year contract which starts August 1 (2014)."

Manuel Pellegrini then confirmed at the start of August that Lampard would join City on loan, saying "New York have made a fantastic signing by recruiting Frank, and I'm really pleased that we'll be able to have him with us for the first half of our season and help prepare him for his new challenge."

At the end of December, Lampard's loan was extended - except that the BBC reported that it had never been a loan deal: "Crucially, this was not a loan deal but a short-term contract signed as a free agent," wrote David Ornstein. "It is understood the contract was for the entire season, with a break clause that was agreed would be activated at midnight on 31 December. City needed that break clause removed if Lampard was to remain with them."

Rob Harris of The Associated Press

"MLS now says that Lampard was in fact was signed last July by City Football Group, the umbrella company for the portfolio of clubs owned by Sheikh Mansour in Manchester, Melbourne and New York, to play in MLS in 2015 and 2016. The intention, MLS confirmed, was always for Lampard join up with Man City until the end of 2014 before joining NYCFC, although he was expected back by the start of 2015."

"Although City described Lampard's arrival as a "loan" on Aug. 6, that online announcement has been removed and the term "loan" not used by the club again, although Lampard has referenced "loan" in media interviews. City has not responded to detailed questions about Lampard's contractual status. But deep in City's 2013-14 accounts is a declaration that the "football registrations ... acquired" since May 31 was Lampard's."

"Alexis Lalas, the former Los Angeles player turned Fox Sports commentator, characterized Lampard's prolonged stay in Manchester as: "The mother ship has spoken."

What a colossal mess. Lampard - one of the most intelligent men in professional football - is no doubt mortified to have all this contractual dirty washing aired in public. No doubt there are legal, financial and political reasons for the Blues legend not to have actually signed for New York, but as ever the fans will probably never know exactly what they are. It just goes to prove that no matter how many rules are put in place to avoid player registration issues such as Carlos Tevez's infamous West Ham move a few years back, the lawyers and tax consultants will always find ways to hide a few surprises the sport's dark underbelly.