Liverpool: Steven Gerrard left Anfield for LA Galaxy as he didn't want to be a 'squad' player

New LA Galaxy midfielder Steven Gerrard says he had little hesitation signing for the Major League Soccer team, as he did not want to live out his last days as a "squad" member at Liverpool.

The ex-England captain has joined the Galaxy after spending 17 seasons, which makes up his entire professional career, at Liverpool. He vowed he was at his new club for the long haul.

"I'm excited to be here and the game on Saturday can't come soon enough," Gerrard told a news conference in Los Angeles on 7 July as he was introduced to the US media.

"I've had a wonderful reception from the staff around the place and even more important from my teammates, I can't wait to get playing with them.

"We have a fantastic team and a fantastic set up and if I can just add a little bit and play to the best of my abilities than the future will be really bright. I'm so happy to be here and excited and my family is settling in really well and now it's just down to business and performing on the pitch.

"I think there will be a few minor stops and starts and a few tweaks, the players have to get used to me the way that I play. I have to adapt the way the team plays and how certain individuals play. It will take a small amount of time for the manager to get used to me and me get used to the manager and the staff.

"But I adapt pretty quickly and I've been around the game for a long time and I'm pretty experienced. So, I think that transition will happen very quickly. For me I want to get off to a good start and I don't want any excuses that I need months to settle in, I'm looking to fire from the beginning."

Gerrard and wife Alex arrived in Los Angeles a week ago, while their three daughters were due to arrive later on 7 July after staying in England to complete their school exams.

The former Liverpool captain will make his MLS debut for the Galaxy against San Jose on 17 July.