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Less than a week after announcing he would leave Liverpool at the end of the season, the LA Galaxy have today officially confirmed that they have signed Steven Gerrard. Though specifics of the deal were not disclosed by five-time MLS champions, it is believed that he has signed a pre-contract agreement for an 18-month, $6M per season deal that will go into effect in July.
"I’m very excited to begin the next chapter of my career in the United States with LA Galaxy," read a statement from Gerrard on the Galaxy’s website. "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."
Gerrard will join the Galaxy as a designated player, replacing the retired Landon Donovan in that role. He will be joining the Galaxy’s other designated player and captain Robbie Keane, who was teammates with Gerrard at Liverpool for the first half of the 2008-09 campaign.
"We’re very pleased to acquire a player of Steven’s caliber, experience and character," said coach Bruce Arena. "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."
Though it is disappointing for most Liverpool fans that Gerrard will not retire a Red, all will be wishing him the best of luck as he heads to the United States to play out the final years of his storied career.
