The LA Galaxy tried to sign Frank Lampard before eventually signing Steven Gerrard.

Lampard instead signed with New York City FC.

“We recruited Frank pretty hard here,” Arena told The Mirror. “The deal was close. We talk to pretty much every single player that is interested in coming to the U.S. and certainly when you hear Frank Lampard is willing, you’re gonna have a lengthy conversation.”

Lampard had a stronger final season in the Premier League than Gerrard.

“I got to know Frank and visited him in London and he’s a fabulous person and player and he’s really going to help football here in America. He’s going to do really well.”