Steven Gerrard departed LA Galaxy
Steven Gerrard says he has no regrets about
joining LA Galaxy from Liverpool but is disappointed he couldn't win a trophy
in his time at the club
Los Angeles Galaxy have
confirmed that Steven Gerrard will not return to the club for the 2017 MLS
season.
The 36-year-old
midfielder has been playing for the Galaxy for the past 18 months following his
exit from boyhood club Liverpool but hinted
earlier this week that his time in the United States was coming to an end.
The American club were
hoping he would sign a new contract and remain in California for another
season but Gerrard has decided to head home following the Galaxy's
MLS play-off shoot-out defeat to the Colorado Rapids last week.
Gerrard made 34 appearances for the MLS side
Former England and
Liverpool captain Gerrard departs LA after scoring five goals and making 14
assists in his 34 appearances for the club.
In an open letter to
Galaxy fans, he wrote: "Over the last year and a half, it has been a
privilege to represent the LA Galaxy and play in front of this club's great
fans.
"When I left
Liverpool, I came to Los Angeles with the goal of helping the LA Galaxy lift
another MLS Cup. I am very disappointed to have not achieved that objective,
but I can look back at my time at the club with pride at what we accomplished,
including two straight play-off appearances and countless memorable moments on
the pitch.
"I have loved every
minute of my time in the States and playing for the LA Galaxy. I am excited to
see this league and this great club continue to grow.
"As someone who
spent the whole of their career in Liverpool, it has been an incredible
experience to come to Los Angeles and play for the LA Galaxy. I would like to
thank Mr. Anschutz, Dan Beckerman, Chris Klein and Bruce Arena for this
opportunity. I would also like to thank my team-mates, the coaching staff, the
team staff and each and every supporter for their support since I arrived at
this club.
"To the Galaxy fans
at StubHub Center, it has been an honour to play in front of you. From my debut
against San Jose to my final match in Colorado, you have shown me amazing
support and I will never forget that. I am excited to continue to support the
Galaxy going forward and I look forward to seeing you all again in Los Angeles
soon.
"Los Angeles will
always have a special place in my heart. As I depart, I want to thank everyone
at the club for making my time here so memorable for me and my family.
"Thank you and go
Galaxy."
Gerrard has been linked
with a return to Liverpool in a coaching capacity and also a reunion with
former Reds manager Brendan Rodgers at Celtic, but does not appear to have made
a decision on his future at this stage.
"I am now looking
forward to spending time with my family as I consider the next stage of my
career," he said.
"It's certainly not
the end of things for me in football terms, I have got a lot of things to
consider and I'm sure I'll be back involved in the coming months.
"I've got options
on the pitch and off the pitch, I have got a bit of thinking to do in the next
few weeks."
Galaxy coach Bruce Arena
paid tribute to Gerrard's spell at the club.
"We were honoured
to have a player and person of Steven's calibre represent the LA Galaxy over
the past two seasons," he said.
"His experience,
class and leadership made him a valuable member of this team both on and off
the field.
"I will always
remember his last kick for the LA Galaxy as he smashed home his penalty against
Tim Howard.
"We thank Steven
for his time and contributions to this club and we wish him the best in
whatever comes next.
"He is one of the
most iconic players of all-time and he will always be a part of the LA Galaxy
family."
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