Jürgen Klopp confirms Steven Gerrard 'always welcome' at Liverpool after LA Galaxy exit hint

Jürgen Klopp appears very open to the possibility of Steven Gerrard returning to Anfield in the future.

The iconic former captain, who scored 185 goals in 708 appearances and won 10 trophies, during a memorable 17-year career with Liverpool before finally leaving for a new challenge with the Los Angeles Galaxy last summer, recently added further fuel to rumours that he is set to leave Major League Soccer with a cryptic post on Instagram that many people have interpreted as a goodbye message.

"Living in Los Angeles and playing for the great Galaxy supporters has been a privilege," the ex-England stalwart wrote yesterday (22 October). "You have made this place feel like home to me. This city and this club will always hold a special place in my heart. Thank you."

That post has inevitably led to fervent speculation that Gerrard intends to return to English football when his current Galaxy deal expires in November, although the player himself, now 36, has previously admitted that he is unsure whether to continue playing or else retire and focus upon attaining his coaching badges.

Gerrard, recently spotted outside Anfield as he apparently received treatment on a hamstring injury that ruled him out of Sunday's 1-0 win over Houston Dynamo, left Liverpool before Klopp was appointed as Brendan Rodgers' successor in October 2015.

However, they quickly became acquainted when Gerrard returned to Melwood to keep fit during last year's MLS off-season and the manager insists that such an iconic figure will always have a place at Liverpool.

"Steven Gerrard is always so welcome at Liverpool FC – you can't imagine how welcome," he was quoted as saying by the official club website following a 2-1 Premier League victory over West Brom on Saturday evening that saw the Reds extend their formidable unbeaten home run to 17 matches across all competitions.

"But everything that we have already talked about or will speak about stays in this situation. That's how I know Stevie and that's how I am. But nobody should worry that there's no space for Steven Gerrard. Everything will be fine, 100%."