LA Galaxy Sign Legendary Steven Gerrard
By Phil Naegely
Within the calm part of MLS’s offseason in December, Steven Gerrard made it busy by announcing he would be leaving Liverpool at the end of the 2014-15 EPL season. After the announcement, reports circulated that Gerrard would join LA Galaxy during the Summer transfer window and would come as early as July. On Wednesday, the LA Galaxy officially announced they have signed the legendary Liverpool midfielder, who will join in July pending receipt of his P-1 visa and International Transfer Certificate (ITC). Per League and club policy, specific terms of the deal were not disclosed.
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He will be signed as a the team’s third designated player and the terms of the contract were not announced. However, reports are indicating he will make $6 million dollars each year during his 18-month contract. The 2015 portion of his contract would be prorated. Gerrard had this to say about the next chapter in his career.
"“I’m very excited to begin the next chapter of my career in the United States with LA Galaxy,” said Gerrard. “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.”"
Next: Gerrard Fills in Landon Donovan Size Hole
While tactically Gerrard may cause a shakeup, the Galaxy are coached by Bruce Arena, who appears to be able to make things work that others don’t see working out successfully. Yet, Gerrard played often with Keane on the England National Team and understands how Keane plays. Arena is pleased to bring in someone as high-caliber of a player as Gerrard.
"“We’re very pleased to acquire a player of Steven’s caliber, experience and character,” LA Galaxy Head Coach and General Manager Bruce Arena said. “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.”"
LA Galaxy’s signing of Gerrard will help them keep their high level of success within MLS. After winning their program’s fifth title, it looks like Donovan’s retirement won’t affect their success as much as others thought it would in 2015.