CARSON, Calif. -- The time was right a new challenge in his life and career, Steven Gerrard says, and the LA Galaxy quickly convinced him Southern California is the best place for a new adventure.
The Liverpool legend - who was announced Wednesday as the MLS champions' newest Designated Player - is set to arrive in July, and he promises Galaxy fans will see him at his best.
“What I can guarantee is that I'll go there and work hard, and I'll make sacrifices and be dedicated to perform at a consistent level and, hopefully, play my part in success for this team,” the 34-year-old English midfielder said in a video interview provided by the Galaxy. “Football is my life, and it will continue to be so for the next couple of years.
“I'm not going over there for a holiday or to enjoy myself, I'm going over there to win. And if I win and play well, then my life becomes more enjoyable.”
Gerrard, who has been with Liverpool since joining their youth academy at eight years old, says he aims to end his career in MLS, but not before winning a few trophies. The former England captain, who retired from international soccer following the 2014 World Cup, liked what he heard in conversations the past couple of months with LA brass.
“Their pursuing me was very aggressive. The talks about it ended up being very positive,” Gerrard said. “They basically told me what I wanted to hear, told me about the winning mentality of the club, told me what their aims and goals are for the future, and it basically suits me at this stage of my career. I'll be going over there to, hopefully, win some more medals and finish my career over there.”
He'll stay with Liverpool until the end of the EPL season and will likely make his MLS debut in the Galaxy's home game July 17 against Toronto FC. He'd be available for 13 regular-season league games, plus playoffs should LA qualify, and LA's CONCACAF Champions League campaign.
Gerrard, who told the Los Angeles Times that he thought the Galaxy were “a match made in heaven,” acknowledged that locale was a “huge bonus” and that he believed the move would be beneficial for his wife, Alex, and three daughters, 10-year-old Lilly-Ella, 8-year-old Lexie and Lourdes, who is 3.
“That will be nice for my family also, to come out of our comfort zone and try something different ...,” he said. “I think the biggest challenge is going to be settling in. I've lived in Liverpool all my life, and I'm a Scouser through and through. I love my city, I'm proud of my roots.
“But it's also important: You get one life, it's important to try new things, new experiences, and it's also a big thing for my children as well, to take them out of their comfort zone and give them a life experience that will, hopefully, help them develop as humans also.”
Gerrard played half of the 2008-09 season with Galaxy captain and MLS MVP Robbie Keane at Liverpool and said he “can't wait” to play alongside the Irish striker again.
“He's a good friend of mine. We get on really well. I enjoyed the time I spent with him over in Liverpool,” Gerrard said. “It's a shame he moved on too quick, in my opinion. ... I'm hoping he stays there for the duration of my stay, because I love playing with him. He's on the same wavelength.”
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Gerrard, who is in his 17th season with Liverpool's first team, told the Liverpool Echo that he would have re-signed with the club had he been offered a contract extension last summer. The Reds made a bid in November, as talks with the Galaxy were underway.
“I’d just retired from England to concentrate all my efforts on Liverpool. I didn’t want my club games to be tailored ...,” he told the newspaper. “It's all ifs, buts and hindsight now. That period between the summer and the end of November gave me thinking time.
“There's no blame, and I'm not angry about it. There are other people in the squad, and the club had other things to worry about. Liverpool Football Club have been unbelievable for me since I was 8 years old. This club has helped me fulfill my dreams over and over again. There is no finger-pointing from me towards the manager or anyone else at the club.”
