LA Galaxy coach Bruce Arena confirms Steven Gerrard arrival

Los Angeles Galaxy coach Bruce Arena has confirmed Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard will join the club in July. In an interview with the LA Times, Arena revealed what is expected to be officially announced later on Wednesday.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, November 29, 2014: Liverpool's captain Steven Gerrard comes on to replace Lucas Leiva against Stoke City during the Premier League match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Steven Gerrard arrives in July and by then we will certainly have a plan available,” Arena, who has led the club to three Major League Soccer titles in four years, told the newspaper.

“He’s a player of quality. I’m not concerned about how he’s going to fit in with our team.

“We have a club now with a proven history of success. All those things go hand in hand in making LA Galaxy a very attractive team for players such as Steven Gerrard.”

Galaxy president Chris Klein described the Reds captain as “the perfect fit”.

“We just started thinking in the universe of players that are out there, we want to make a decision on what signifies a Galaxy-designated player.

“When we look at that, Steven Gerrard is the perfect fit with what he brings to us on the field and the character that he has off it.”

In announcing his decision to leave Liverpool, ending an association he has had since he was eight, Gerrard stressed he could not play for another European club if there was a chance they would come up against his boyhood side. That is partly the reason he made the life-changing decision to move to the United States, and he believes Galaxy is the ideal destination.

“I think it’s a match made in heaven really,” Gerrard told the newspaper. “One of the reasons I chose LA Galaxy was because of the success they’ve had recently.

“I want to finish my career very strong. I want to add some medals and trophies to my collection.”

PA