Live

LIVE: Newsround

07:00 PM-07:30 PM

LIVE: Newsround
Advertisement
Soccer

Steven Gerrard announces LA Galaxy exit with open letter

Steven Gerrard has confirmed that he is departing MLS side Los Angeles Galaxy. The long-time form...



Steven Gerrard announces LA Ga...
Soccer

Steven Gerrard announces LA Galaxy exit with open letter

Steven Gerrard has confirmed that he is departing MLS side Los Angeles Galaxy.

The long-time former Liverpool captain announced the decision in an open letter to the team's fans, thanking them for their support.

The ex-England captain left Liverpool for the USA at the end of the 2014-15 season after his contract expired and spent a season and a half Stateside.

Alongside former Ireland captain Robbie Keane, the 36-year-old was a Major League Soccer All-Star in 2015.

But he failed to MLS Cup in either 2015 or 2016 at LA, despite Galaxy having won three of the previous for titles. 

With his departure expected, the player has been linked with a move to Celtic, with bookies slashing odds on that potential eventuality.

In his letter to fans on the Galaxy website, he wrote:

"LA Galaxy Supporters –

"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 playoff 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 teammates, 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 honor 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.

"--Steven Gerrard

Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!

Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.


Read more about

Soccer