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Steven Gerrard Kicks Off LA Galaxy Career

Former England captain Steven Gerrard has been officially unveiled by LA Galaxy - and pledged to try to follow in the footsteps of David Beckham.

Gerrard, 35, has moved to California and Major League Soccer after calling time on his epic career with Liverpool at the end of last season.

He says he is excited by the challenge and the prospect of a different lifestyle for him, his wife Alex and their three daughters.

Gerrard trained with his new teammates in front of the cameras. He will make his debut for Galaxy against Club America on Saturday.

He said: "I'm coming here to win. If anyone out there thinks I'm coming here for a holiday or a last pay cheque they'll be proved wrong very soon.

"I'm coming to a wonderful city and it is a great city for my family to live in, a new life experience.

"I've spent my whole life in Liverpool. I'm a Scouser, I'm proud to be a Scouser, but at 35 I felt it was the right time for a new challenge in my life."

Gerrard follows another former England captain, David Beckham, to the Galaxy and he says it was advice from him that helped persuade him to make the move.

"David is a hero of mine, someone I was lucky to play with. He's a fantastic guy and a wonderful footballer. He's someone who I leaned on for advice and asked questions before I decided to come here."

He said he would be "very, very happy" to follow in Beckham's footsteps.

Gerrard says the last seven days have been a "whirlwind" and that jet lag has been his biggest problem so far. Galaxy teammate Robbie Keane has also taught him the value of sunscreen. "Factor 50," he said.

Galaxy fans are thrilled to have Gerrard.

Dustin Guerra told Sky News: "To have Steven Gerrard here, someone tried and tested, strong in midfield, to have the technique and endurance that a lot of American players are still working on, is phenomenal."

Gerrard arrives with soccer in the US on a high but clubs needing high-profile signings to steal attention from other American sports.

Kevin Baxter, football writer for the Los Angeles Times, says Gerrard will benefit, like Beckham, from living in the celebrity capital of the world.

He said: "It is a big city with a lot of celebrities and it is a place where Steven Gerrard will be able to get lost which I think he couldn't do in Liverpool.

"I think he's going to adjust well. The key will be how he adjusts on the field."

Gerrard said he had received messages from Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers and Reds staff and fans. He said he misses the club and city and "will always be a Liverpool fan".