MLS news: Steven Gerrard welcomes Ashley Cole to LA Galaxy 'with open arms'

Steven Gerrard has promised to welcome Ashley Cole to LA Galaxy "with open arms". The 35-year-old midfielder played with Cole during their international career and is looking forward to the prospect of reuniting with him in the US.

Cole, 35, is set to join the Major League Soccer club from Italian giants Roma, where has has been a squad player since 2014. Gerrard thinks the fullback will prove to a great addition to manager Bruce Arena's squad.

"I sent him a text saying I heard it's close. I hope we get it over the line," Gerrard said, according to Sky Sports. "Obviously we will welcome him with open arms because he will certainly make us a better team. He is a top player."

Meanwhile, Gerrard – who won 114 caps for England over a 14-year international career – has revealed he would be open to the possibility of accepting a role with the English FA. The midfielder admitted he does not wish to go from being a player to a manager straight away.

"I don't think I am ready for management at the moment. I am doing my qualifications and I'm trying to gain as much experience as possible," he explained.

"I've got dreams and aspirations of taking the plunge one day but I have to see and work out for myself what role is going to suit me, what role do I think I am going to be able to contribute at and also what roles are going to be offered.

"I don't want to shut any doors and I don't want to make any rash decisions because where I sit now, I still feel healthy, I still feel fit. I still feel like I could play at most levels of the game. So right now, I'm not ready to retire."

Gerrard said he would relish the opportunity to help either the FA or his former club Liverpool. He admitted, too, that he is still undecided about when he should retire from the game.

"Will I be ready in 10 or 11 months time? We will have to wait and see, but I'd love nothing better than to be with Liverpool or the FA because they are the ones that have been great to me throughout my playing career and they are the ones I am going to be biased towards," he said.

"Come the end of this season – if I do decide to call it a day – I am going to be available for whatever role is thrown at me."