Fans still don’t get it. Just shut up and let them play.

We all heard it.
    The moans, groans, and complains when it was announced that Frank Lampard would be joining NYCFC. Oh you thought this was just about the disgusting reception some NYCFC ‘fans’ gave Lampard at his 2016 MLS debut? No, no, no. That’s what the NYCFC fans want you to think so they don’t look as bad, but they’re not fooling anyone. Their hate towards Lampard was long before he put on a NYCFC jersey, even before he put on a MCFC jersey. But luckily for them they think they have a more justifiable reason to boo him because of him playing for Manchester City, and his delayed 2016 start. They hated him for years and the boos started the day he held up a NYCFC jersey. As a Chelsea supporter, player and fan of the beautiful game, and a proud New Yorker I could not be more honoured to have such a man and player representing my city. On that day he held up a NYCFC jersey, while I was filled with pride I wished he signed for any team but New York because I knew the fans he was about to deal with.           I hate to break little hearts everywhere, but athletes don’t need to play for us, nor should fans be wanting to be their player’s motivation to perform well. That’s not to say they don’t care for the fans or don’t want to build a relationship with them, but we are not their top priority. Their top priority is to win and play well. If they’re injured then their main focus is to get 100% healthy again so they can play and help the team win.  Athletes do not play for us. While they may create magic on the pitch they are not circus performers who wake up each day with the hope to satisfy our entertainment needs. Professionals who achieved the top level of success got there because from a young age they fell in love with whatever they were doing and worked hard at it. Whether thats in sport, medicine, art, whatever! If you’re elite at what you do it’s because you feel that it’s your life purpose and you were put on this earth to be the best at that craft. I don't think when Frank Lampard was young he said “It is my dream and ambition in life to entertain people. Oh hey, Im pretty good at football I guess I’ll go with that.”  When a player is not playing for a while due to injury or other circumstances all of their focus and energy goes into playing again. All they care about is getting back on the pitch and that is all the fans should care about too. Of course you say that all he has to do is score now to hear the cheers, but if this is really what you want then shut up with your begging for reassurance. If your priorities include receiving apologies and explanations from players, then please ask yourself if you are a fan of sports or are in need of attention.
    Frank Lampard does not owe any fans an apology or explanation. Get mad at his PR team, get mad at his publicists, the NYCFC media team, get mad at the people who’s job it is to inform and explain instances like these to the fans. Do not get mad at or disrespect a man who is doing his job. Be annoyed with those who aren't doing their jobs well. You know, maybe the players who have been playing in the many losses and draws NYCFC already had this season? I’m not trashing the players I’m just baffled that some fans are more bothered by not getting an explanation and apology than with the other players and big names underperforming. Is that what ‘demanding, judgmental, yet fiercely loyal New York sports’ fans are? Uneducated and uninterested in the sport itself and just want an excuse to complain? Complain? Complain? Yeah that’s what you’re doing. Complaining. And its pathetic.
    I am not a NYCFC supporter because of fans like these, but I am a fan of good football and of course Frank Lampard. I am so happy to see his 2016 MLS season get started, but most importantly I am thrilled to see him HEALTHY and back out on the pitch doing what he loves. Frank Lampard is a true and utmost professional who gives his all each time he is out on the pitch. NYCFC fans, if you’re really doubting his commitment to the game, remember he even scored against Chelsea. You have nothing to worry about besides your bad attitudes towards a true legend who I have a feeling is going to be one of your best players this season.