Gerrard: LA Galaxy exit 'not the end of me'

Matthew Scott

Gerrard: LA Galaxy exit 'not the end of me' image

Steven Gerrard is open to the possibility of calling time on his illustrious playing career after his LA Galaxy departure was confirmed on Monday, but added that he will remain in football in some capacity.

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Gerrard will not renew his contract with the Galaxy after failing to lead them to MLS Cup glory in one and a half seasons in California.

The Liverpool legend will now return to British shores, with Anfield manager Jurgen Klopp saying Gerrard would "always be welcome" at the club, amid speculation he could return in a coaching role.

Celtic has also been credited with an interest, with ex-Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers thought to be keen on a reunion with his former captain and keeping the 36-year-old's playing days going.

And Gerrard has confirmed that playing and coaching offers have been put to him, giving him a testing decision to make in the coming weeks.

"I've learned a lot. Off the coaches and off my teammates and I'll certainly use that for myself moving forward," Gerrard told reporters.

"Although I'm going back to England to live, it's certainly not the end of me in football terms.

"I've got a lot of things to consider over the coming weeks and months and I'm sure I'll be back involved in the game somewhere down the line.

"I've got options on the pitch, off the pitch. I've got a bit of thinking to do over the next two, three weeks.

"I'm not ready to make a decision or finalise anything that I'm going to be doing moving forward.

"What I will say is I'm going home to spend some time with my family and basically go over my options and decide which is the next best challenge for me."

Gerrard's departure follows his former England midfield partner Frank Lampard's decision to leave New York City FC upon the expiration of his contract.

Like Gerrard, Lampard has been linked with a coaching return to his former club Chelsea.

Matthew Scott