SOCCER-MLS/GERRARD NEWS CONFERENCE Gerrard makes first media appearance with LA Galaxy

Record ID: 148094

  • Title: SOCCER-MLS/GERRARD NEWS CONFERENCE Gerrard makes first media appearance with LA Galaxy
  • Date: 8th July 2015
  • Summary: LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES (JULY 07, 2015) (REUTERS) WIDE SHOT OF NEWS CONFERENCE WITH STEVEN GARRARD (SOUNDBITE) (English) STEVEN GERARD ON JOINING THE GALAXY, SAYING: "I'm excited to be here and the game on Saturday can't come soon enough. I've had a wonderful reception from the staff around the place and even more important from my teammates, I can't wait to
  • Embargoed: 23rd July 2015 13:00
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  • Topics: General
  • Reuters ID: LVA6MR1EJV4P7QCR8DZO1ZHPANOP
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text: New Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Steven Gerrard says he did not want to play out his days as a "squad" member at Liverpool and had little hesitation signing for the Major League Soccer team.
    Gerrard, 35, has joined the Galaxy after spending his entire professional career, 17 seasons, with Liverpool and vowed that he was in Los Angeles for the long haul.
    "I'm excited to be here and the game on Saturday can't come soon enough," Gerrard told a news conference in Los Angeles on Tuesday as he was introduced to the American media.
    "I've had a wonderful reception from the staff around the place and even more important from my teammates, I can't wait to get playing with them. We have a fantastic team and a fantastic set up and if I can just add a little bit and play to the best of my abilities than the future will be really bright. I'm so happy to be here and excited and my family is settling in really well and now its just down to business and performing on the pitch."
    Gerrard, who will follow in the footsteps of former England team mate David Beckham at the Galaxy, said he had been courted aggressively by Los Angeles and had sounded out Beckham before signing.
    "David is a hero of mine and I was lucky to play with, a class guy and a wonderful footballer and someone I leaned on for advice and asked a few questions before I decided to come here."
    Gerrard has also been welcomed by Galaxy captain Robbie Keane, who has been in fine form recently, scoring a hat-trick last Saturday. The defending mL Cup champions Galaxy have also been performing strongly, with three wins in their past four matches.
    Gerrard and wife Alex arrived in Los Angeles a week ago, while their three daughters were due to arrive later on Tuesday after staying in England to complete school exams.
    Gerrard will make his mL debut for the Galaxy against San Jose on July 17.
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