Thursday 8 January 2015 16:03, UK
Steven Gerrard says he chose to join LA Galaxy because of the success the team has had in the past, and is determined to help them win more trophies.
It was announced on Wednesday that the 34-year-old Liverpool midfielder will join Major League Soccer's most successful side in July, by which time the American season will be in full swing.
Los Angeles will be bidding for a fourth title in five seasons and Gerrard has made it clear that he is not planning to take it easy during his time in the States.
"I'm not going over there for a holiday or to endear myself,” said Gerrard. “I'm going over there to win.
“Football is my life and it will continue to be so for another couple of years.
"At this stage of my career, I think the timing is right to move on to a fresh challenge and I'm going to be moving to the most successful team in the United States.
“I still feel like a player, still know I can perform well for the next couple of years, so I want to go in to a setup with a winning mentality, a team that's used to winning and with people that also want to win in the future.
“I can guarantee I will go there and work hard. I’ll make sacrifices and be dedicated to performing at a consistent level.”
Gerrard was courted by Galaxy coach Bruce Arena and team president Chris Klein, and says he was impressed by what they had to say.
"Their pursuing me was very aggressive," he said
"All the talks with them have been very positive. It was them telling me what I wanted to hear, telling me about the winning mentality of the club, about their aims and goals for the future.
"That basically suits me, at this stage of my career. They want success and that's what I want to finish my career. They seem to me like they are winners and that's how I see myself.
“I will be going over to hopefully win some more medals.
“There’s obviously a huge bonus involved in where the LA Galaxy are located as well. That will be nice for my family, to come out of our comfort zone and try something different.
“It is really exciting on and off the pitch but the most important thing is that I go there and it is a success on the pitch.”
After an association of 25 years with Liverpool, Gerrard will be leaving as an all-time great, and he reiterated his desire to return to the club in the future.
“I owe Liverpool fans a lot,” he said. “It has been a privilege to play for them and represent them for all these years.
“I will continue to do that until the end of the season and I’ll give everything I have got within to try and bring some success this season.
“Hopefully, I will come back. That’s the message.
"The relationship with Liverpool doesn't end in the summer. In fact, it will never end.”
