After a year-and-a-half in MLS, Steven Gerrard is moving on.
On Tuesday, the LA Galaxy announced that the veteran midfielder — who followed a storied career at Liverpool with a move to Southern California in July of 2015 — would not return to the club after his contract runs out at the end of this year.
The 36-year-old Gerrard made 34 appearances with the Galaxy since his arrival last July, registering five goals and 14 assists.
The Galaxy were eliminated from MLS Cup contention with a shootout loss to Colorado in the Western Conference semifinals, after the two sides tied 1-1 on aggregate through two legs. Gerrard had LA's only successful conversion in the penalty stage.
“When I left Liverpool, I came to Los Angeles with the goal of helping the Galaxy lift another MLS Cup," Gerrard said in the club release announcing his departure. “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.”
The announcement comes one day after New York City FC's announcement that Frank Lampard, another longtime Premiership star who also joined MLS in mid-2015, would not be back next season.
“We were honored to have a player and person of Steven’s caliber represent the LA Galaxy over the past two seasons,” Galaxy coach and general manager Bruce Arena said in Tuesday's statement. “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.
"We thank Steven for his time and contributions to this club and we wish him the best in whatever comes next. He is one of the most iconic players of all-time and he will always be a part of the LA Galaxy family.”
Gerrard played 17 seasons at Anfield before making the move to MLS, with more than 700 appearances and 185 goals across all competitions. He also scored 21 times for England in 144 international appearances.
While the announcement didn't come until Tuesday, Gerrard telegraphed it in an Instagram post on Monday in which he posed above the city and included the phrase "I will miss you LA" in the caption.
