Steven Gerrard is trading Liverpool for Los Angeles.
The LA Galaxy announced on Wednesday that the Anfield legend has signed a deal to become the club’s next Designated Player, with the 34-year-old midfielder expected to join the reigning MLS Cup champions during Major League’s Soccer summer transfer window in July.
Per league and club policy, specific terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“I’m very excited to begin the next chapter of my career in the United States with LA Galaxy,” Gerrard said in a statement. “The Galaxy are the most successful club in Major League Soccer history, and I am looking forward to competing for more championships in the years to come. My discussions with Bruce Arena and Chris Klein were extremely positive, and the future of the team is very bright.
“I am committed to helping the LA Galaxy compete for trophies and to having an impact in Los Angeles, and I will give my all for the club. In the meantime, I will continue to give everything for Liverpool for the remainder of this season before joining up with the Galaxy.”
An iconic player for Liverpool who joined the club’s academy system at just nine years old, Gerrard is the longest-serving captain in LFC club history. In 17 seasons with Liverpool, he has made 695 appearances while scoring 180 goals to date in all competitions.
He has also led Liverpool to 10 major trophies over the past 15 years, including the UEFA Champions League (2005), UEFA Cup (2001), UEFA Super Cup (2001, 2005), FA Cup (2001, 2006), FA Community Shield (2006) and League Cup (2001, 2003, 2012).
He has also won a slew of individual awards, most notably during a career year in 2005 when was named the UEFA Club Footballer of the Year and finished third in the voting for the FIFA’s Ballon d’Or.
“We’re very pleased to acquire a player of Steven’s caliber, experience and character,” Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena said. “He is one of the most decorated players in the world and will join our team with a wealth of success playing at the highest level of the sport. Steven will be an excellent example to our young players, and we’re excited to add him and his leadership to an already talented roster.”
Gerrard has represented England at three FIFA World Cups (2006, 2010, 2014) while serving as the team’s captain in 2010 and 2014. His 114 caps for England are the third most of any English international in history.
“The LA Galaxy continue to compete for championships and strive for unparalleled success each year, and signing Steven is another example of Mr. Anschutz’ continued commitment to the growth of soccer in Los Angeles and North America,” Galaxy president Chris Klein said in a statement. “We were aggressive in our pursuit of Steven and look forward to him contributing to our club both on and off the field.”
Gerrard will join 2014 MLS MVP Robbie Keane and 2014 MLS Defender of the Year Finalist Omar Gonzalez as current Designated Players on the Galaxy roster. Landon Donovan’s retirement following the 2014 season made that slot available.
