LA Galaxy announce Gerrard will not return in 2017
The LA Galaxy announced Tuesday that star midfielder Steven Gerrard will not return for the 2017 MLS season, seeing out the entirety of his contract and leaving the team as he had hinted at earlier in the week.
Gerrard made 35 appearances in the regular season and playoffs over the last two seasons, scoring five goals and recording 14 assists. While the former Liverpool captain will not return to Los Angeles next season, he did not reveal details regarding the next step in his career.
"When I left Liverpool, I came to Los Angeles with the goal of helping the Galaxy lift another MLS Cup," Gerrard said, as quoted by the club's official website.
"I am of course disappointed to have not achieved that objective, but I can look back at my time at the club with pride at what we accomplished, including two straight playoff appearances and countless memorable moments on the pitch.
"As someone who spent the whole of their career in Liverpool, it has been an incredible experience to come to Los Angeles and play for the LA Galaxy.
"I am excited to see this league and this great club continue to grow. I am now looking forward to spending time with my family as I consider the next stage of my career."
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Gerrard joined the LA Galaxy 18 months ago as a Designated Player and was paired in midfield this season with Dutch enforcer Nigel De Jong. But, the Dutchman departed the club midway through the 2016 campaign and Gerrard was forced to double his defensive responsibilities as a result.
At 36 years old, Gerrard struggled to adapt to the pace and physicality of MLS at first but settled into the lineup and became a consistent option for Bruce Arena, who says he was "honored to have a player and person of Steven's caliber represent the LA Galaxy over the past two seasons."
Added Arena: "His experience, class, and leadership made him a valuable member of this team both on and off the field.
"I will always remember his last kick for the LA Galaxy as he smashed home his penalty against Tim Howard."
Indeed, Gerrard's penalty against the Colorado Rapids - the only one the Galaxy managed to score in a playoff conference semifinal shootout loss - was the last bit of action in the ex-England icon's time in MLS, but not his greatest moment, which might just be this goal against Real Salt Lake: