Former Chelsea star Frank Lampard has revealed he chose New York City ahead of options in England - including QPR.

The ex-Blue was unveiled in the Big Apple on Thursday morning as the latest recruit to the MLS side.

But despite the clamour for his signature, Lampard said the decision about where to play was simple.

He said: " I was aware before the World Cup that I was leaving Chelsea . I had a decision to make and I didn't want to make it during the World Cup - even though I was thinking about my future.

"I've only made the decision very recently - but I've been handed something which is an outstanding opportunity.

"There were other options, yes. Some in England, other parts of the world but this was the one that always stood out to me. The idea of coming to this city and playing for a new team with a really good vision for the future - it just made it easy for me. It wasn't a hard decision."

One option open to Lampard was newly promoted QPR.

He added: "We had some conversations and so did my dad. I think my dad spoke to Harry (Redknapp) quite a lot. But it wasn't really an option for me.

"I had 13 years at Chelsea and it's something very dear to me so it would have been difficult to play for a club so close.

"So from that point of view coming out here to New York is a good option - it's a new start."

Lampard has not decided on his plan for the spell before New York City start in the MLS in early 2015.

One option is to spend time with Australian club Melbourne City, a path taken by new NYCFC striker David Villa.

Lampard added: "I'm not sure yet. We're going to talk with Claudio Reyna and Jason Kreis and we'll decide then. I really don't know - but I will have to keep fit.

"I'll have to train at the very top level, whether that's on my own or with a club somewhere, I'll have to see.

"Pre-season here will start mid to late January and that will soon come round. I've had time out of football with injury before - three/four months sometimes and it's not that long. That's the way - that will be here before we know it.

"In the meantime of course I'll keep fit and make sure my levels don't drop too much. When we come here for pre-season I want to be ready to go. I want to fly out of the blocks. I don't want to come out sluggish."