Gerrard: Why Galaxy switch attracted me
Steven Gerrard has revealed why he decided LA Galaxy were the right club for him to join after confirming he will leave Liverpool at the end of the current season.
The captain will bring a 17-year spell in the Reds first team to a close at the conclusion of 2014-15 and will move to the United States to sign for the Major League Soccer side.
On the day LA Galaxy were confirmed as Gerrard's next club, the 34-year-old gave an interview to explain what enticed him to the American side.
He told LaGalaxy.com: "Their pursuit of me was very aggressive and the talks I've had with them have been very positive.
"They basically told me what I wanted to hear - they told me about the winning mentality at the club, their aims and goals for the future - and it suits me at this stage of my career. I think it's the right time for a new challenge, a fresh challenge in my life and it's an exciting one.
"There's a huge bonus involved in terms of where the LA Galaxy are located, so that will be nice for my family to come out of our comfort zone and try something different.
"I'm a Scouser through and through, I love my city and I'm proud of my roots, but you only get one life and it's important to try different things, new experiences, and it's also a big thing to take my children out of their comfort zone and give them a life experience that will hopefully help them develop as people.
"It's perfect timing for this new challenge and I'm really excited and looking forward to it."
Gerrard admits speaking to Galaxy manager Bruce Arena, as well as members of the club's hierarchy, convinced him they could match his ambition to lift silverware Stateside.
"I'm going to be moving to the most successful team in the United States," he added. "I've watched a lot of their games, and I also know some of the players that have been there and sampled it and I've heard great things about it.
"I still feel like a player and still know I can perform well for the next couple of years, so I want to go into a set-up with a winning mentality to a team that are used to winning - and also a team that have people there that want to win in the future.
"I know the players have got a winning mentality, they've proven it over the years, but having spoken to the manager, Bruce Arena, and the people above him, they're very aggressive and they want success - that's what I want and that's how I want to finish my career."
In joining LA Galaxy, Gerrard will be reunited with a former Anfield teammate in Robbie Keane.
The pair played alongside each other during the striker's stint with the Reds in 2008-09.
Gerrard said: "I can't wait. He's a good friend of mine and we get on really well. I enjoyed the time I spent with him at Liverpool and I am hoping he stays there for the duration of my stay because I love playing with him and he's on the same wavelength.
"I'm sure with the rest of my teammates, we can all stick together and push for the right things."
Before Gerrard moves to the United States, he will continue to help Liverpool's challenge for a top-four finish, as well as success in the FA Cup, Capital One Cup and Europa League.
"I said a few days ago my message to the Liverpool fans is that I owe them a lot," he insisted. "It's been a privilege to play for and represent them for all of these years. I'll continue to do that until the end of the season.
"I can promise them that I will give everything I've got within to try and bring some success this season - and hopefully come back. That's the message: my relationship with Liverpool doesn't end in the summer. It will never end."
For a full interview with Steven Gerrard about his move to LA Galaxy, visit their website.