Gerrard: MK Dons gig 'a bit too soon for me'

Steven Gerrard isn't ready to become a full-time manager just yet.

The opportunity to take the job at League One side MK Dons presented itself after Gerrard announced he would end his 18-month adventure with the LA Galaxy.

But the 36-year-old turned down the chance to jump into management, citing poor timing as the main reason.

"I spoke to MK Dons. I had a chat with the chairman. It's a very exciting job for somebody else but it's a bit soon for me," Gerrard told BT Sport on Wednesday. "But it's true, I did speak to them."

Ex-Liverpool teammate Jamie Carragher suspected Gerrard would need between six and 12 months before accepting a job of that level. He's currently studying to obtain a UEFA A licence, which allows aspiring managers to coach in the top flight of a European nation.

Whether he'll ditch his playing career altogether is still unknown. Struggling Serie A outfit Inter has reportedly expressed interest in signing Gerrard, with Celtic also among the potential suitors.

A backroom role with Liverpool - the team he captained for more than a decade - is another possibility.

Manager Jurgen Klopp has always been complimentary to the Reds icon. Last December, the German gaffer cleared the way for Gerrard to train with the first team, and recently said he wouldn't hesitate to invite him back.

"Steven Gerrard - and this will be a really big surprise - is always so welcome at Liverpool FC," said Klopp. "You cannot imagine how welcome, so absolutely no problem, but everything we will talk to each other about will stay in these talks. That is how I know Stevie, and that is how I am.

"Nobody should be worried that we don't have space for Steven Gerrard."