Steven Gerrard
Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Steven Gerrard greets the media following his introduction in Carson, California. Reuters/Gary A. Vasquez/USA Today Sports

Steven Gerrard has a message for the critics who see his Major League Soccer stint as another promotional or retirement tour. The veteran midfielder stated that he signed up with the Los Angeles Galaxy not for a holiday but to play serious soccer.

“I had options to stay in the Premier League, options around Europe, but I didn't want to compete against Liverpool,” the 35-year-old Gerrard said in a news conference in Los Angeles on Tuesday. "I love Liverpool Football Club and I always will do. ... But I didn’t want to become a squad player or a sub at the club I love. If there’s anyone out there that thinks I’m coming here for a holiday and a last paycheck, they’ll be proved wrong very soon.”

Gerrard admitted that he will miss playing for Liverpool, the team he played for in nearly two decades but added that he’s “looking forward” to playing with the Galaxy “as long as possible.”

Gerrard signed with the MLS club earlier this year, after the 2014-15 season with Liverpool in the England's Premier League. Gerrard played 504 matches for his English club team and produced 120 goals. He has also represented England in numerous international competitions since 2000 with 114 caps and 21 goals scored for the national team.

The Galaxy are currently in fourth place in the Western Conference of the MLS standings with an 8-7-6 win-loss-tie record.

RELATED STORIES