Steven Gerrard is ready to hit the ground running when he makes his debut for Los Angeles Galaxy in the early hours of Sunday morning.
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“This is an era where the word “legend” is vastly overused, but in his case it actually doesn’t do him justice”, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers told the club’s website after Gerrard announced his intention to leave.
Former England captain Steven Gerrard has been officially unveiled by LA Galaxy – and pledged to try to follow in the footsteps of David Beckham. In 2007, the Galaxy were a struggling squad that missed the playoffs that year.
Arena refused to be drawn on whether Gerrard, who scored a record 47 penalties for Liverpool, will take over penalty-taking duties from Galaxy captain and regular spot-kick taker Keane.
“It’s grown, I think it’s improved”, Gerrard said of MLS. I know Robbie very well from back home.
Only this time, there were more than two dozen cameras lining the sideline, close to 100 media members milling around and a new figure in their midst. It will be a pleasure to play with them every day.
The midfielder was unfazed when asked about difficulties of field quality, adverse weather conditions and the wear of travel in the league.
Gerrard joins Keane and defender Omar Gonzalez as the team’s designated players. “This transition isn’t going to be ideal, but I think it’s going to go as well as anyone could expect”.
That willing attitude was part of the reason for the Galaxy pursuing Gerrard with a fervor that impressed the new arrival, especially with his minutes declining at Liverpool. “We’ve spoken to players in similar positions, but very rarely do players who have been at one club their whole lives make this sort of move. Hopefully I can have a very high level of performance”.
The Liverpool icon also made it clear that, besides wanting a change for his family, he was committed to a move that would allow him to play without having to ever compete against his ex- club.
Moving forward it’s about success. “David Beckham and Landon Donovan, who’ve contributed terrifically well for this football club, if I can follow in their footsteps I’ll be very, very happy”.
Gerrard was presented to his new club’s fans at half-time of Saturday’s MLS game against Toronto FC and he was delighted with the response adding: “At the game on Saturday I had a wonderful reception by the supporters and great welcome from my team-mates and I can’t wait to get playing with them”.
“I have a huge amount of respect for him”.
Gerrard will wear his familiar number eight shirt at Galaxy, where he will link up again with ex- Liverpool team-mate Robbie Keane, who has played for the LA side since 2011.
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“After all those times playing for England with him and against him for Chelsea, I never envisaged this would happen”.
