British soccer star Steven Gerrard is determined to follow in the footsteps of LA Galaxy greats like David Beckham as he prepares for his new adventure in America.
The 35-year-old central midfielder was officially unveiled to the media before a standing-room only crowd at StubHub Center’s Stadium Club on Tuesday.
Standing in front of the international press for the first time as a Galaxy player, the Liverpool FC icon stressed that he’s eager to earn the respect of Galaxy fans like club legends Beckham and Landon Donovan before him.
“It’s very exciting to be a member of the LA Galaxy,” Gerrard said. “David Beckham and Landon Donovan are two players who contributed very well to this football club if I can follow in their footsteps I’ll be very, very happy.
“David is hero of mine… who is a wonderful guy and a fantastic footballer. He’s someone that I leaned on for advice before I decided to come here,” he added.
“While Landon was the enemy for a short period of time at [Liverpool’s archrival] Everton, I’m sure that I’ll bump into him around the place and it’ll be good to bounce feedback off him as well. He’s a legend and a hero, I’ve seen his performances over the years and I know that’s the standard that everyone is looking for. I just want to follow in their footsteps.”
A quick adaptation to the rigors of MLS is vital for success in Gerrard’s stint with Galaxy, but to aid that process, the former Liverpool FC man has already begun to lean on former teammate Robbie Keane for advice.
Whereas in 2008, it was Keane joining Gerrard at a new club, this time around it is Gerrard who is “coming into a new school”.
But the presence of a familiar face like Keane has already proved invaluable for Gerrard’s acclimation to life in Southern California.
“It was very nice to have Robbie here on day one. He introduced me to all the players and the staff as well. I know Robbie very well from back home. He also lent me some factor 50 [sunscreen] so I didn’t burn on day one,” Gerrard said with a grin.
“He’s a good teammate and I’m looking forward to playing with him. He was the MVP last year and he’s on fire right now. He’s coming into a bit of form, and it’s my responsibility that Robbie keeps firing as well by keeping the service up for them.
Ultimately for Gerrard to become a success at the Galaxy, the veteran midfielder understands that it’s up to him to “do the talking on the pitch.”
“I’m not coming here to make excuses about needing months to be ready. I’m ready to fire from the beginning,” Gerrard said.
“Moving forward, it’s all about success. If there’s anyone out there who thinks that I’m coming out here for a holiday or my last paycheck, they’ll be proved wrong very soon.”
Gerrard ended his 17-year association with Liverpool this summer once his contract expired, deciding to move Stateside for a new challenge and seems to be fitting into his new life in LA rather nicely. He has just moved into a $25m mansion in a star-studded area where his neighbors include showbizzy types like Katy Perry, Jennifer Aniston and Justin Bieber. The six-bedroom property is reportedly costing the Reds legend and his missus Alex a cool £35,000 per month.
It is set within a gated community in one of Beverley Hill’s most sought-after areas, Trousdale Estates where the late Elvis Presley lived just two streets away.
Earlier this year his wife, 32-year-old Alex jetted out to California on a house-hunting trip but said that it was a difficult task.
She said: “House hunting has been really hard. The houses are so beautiful. I wish I could find one I didn’t like. You walk in them and you’re like ‘wow, this is amazing’.”
Oo-er… Bet they’ll be throwing some amazing parties up there… I am waiting for my invite Steven!
