Gerrard completes move to LA Galaxy

Liverpool's Steven Gerrard controls the ball during their English Premier League soccer match against Manchester United at Old Trafford in Manchester, northern England, in this file photo taken December 14, 2014. Gerrard confirmed on Wednesday that he will join MLS champions LA Galaxy in July on an 18-month deal. [Photo/Agencies]

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard will join LA Galaxy in July on an 18-month deal, the Major League Soccer club announced on Wednesday.

"I'm very excited to begin the next chapter of my career in the United States with LA Galaxy," Gerrard told the MLS club's official website.

"The Galaxy are the most successful club in Major League Soccer history and I am looking forward to competing for more championships in the years to come," he added.

Gerrard told the Liverpool Echo on Tuesday he would have agreed to continue his long Liverpool career had the club offered him a new contract.

Instead the 34-year-old will now join a growing list of high-profile former Premier League players to cross the Atlantic in the latter stages of their careers, most notably David Beckham.

Former Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool striker Robbie Keane will be a team mate of Gerrard at the Galaxy while former Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has signed for New York City FC, although he is still in England on loan at Manchester City.

"I am committed to helping the LA Galaxy compete for trophies and to having an impact in Los Angeles and I will give my all for the club. In the meantime, I will continue to give everything for Liverpool for the remainder of this season before joining up with the Galaxy," said Gerrard.

Former England captain Gerrard has spent his entire career at Liverpool, making nearly 700 appearances and winning the Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup.

"We're very pleased to acquire a player of Steven's caliber, experience and character," LA Galaxy head coach and general manager Bruce Arena said.

"He is one of the most decorated players in the world and will join our team with a wealth of success playing at the highest level of the sport. Steven will be an excellent example to our young players and we're excited to add him and his leadership to an already talented roster," said the former US national team coach.