Steven Gerrard: I had other options

Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard admits he turned down a “couple of nice opportunities” to move to a club in Europe in order to pursue a new challenge with the Los Angeles Galaxy.

The 35-year-old midfielder is set to be presented to his new club’s fans at half-time of today’s MLS game against Toronto.

Former England captain Gerrard is looking forward to a fresh start after admitting he wanted a new challenge.

“I had some nice opportunities around Europe,” he said.

“But I wanted a completely fresh challenge, to come out of my comfort zone, live away from home and get a different life experience and choose a place where my family can enjoy themselves and settle.

“When I retire from football in a few years time I want to say I did try something different and didn’t stay in the same place — although I loved every minute of it.”

Gerrard has had to counter accusations he will have an easy life in MLS having played so long in the Premier League, but he is determined not to allow his standards slip.

“I’ve been working really hard alone to make sure my physical condition is still good and to make sure I still have my strength because I want to be ready to go,” he said.

“I like to give 100%, work as hard as I can, I don’t like losing, so I’ll do everything I can to try to win football matches.”

Meanwhile, Liverpool chief executive Ian Ayre insists the club can still buy top players within the remit of their “smart and sustainable” transfer policy and claims a lack of Champions League football does not affect that.

“I stood on the Kop for many years as a fan, and like everyone else I’d love to buy all the greatest players, regardless of price,” Ayre said.

“But, as we saw under the club’s previous ownership, things can all go very wrong financially.

“You can’t work that way. You have to have a very detailed, thought-out plan and ensure everyone buys into it and adheres to it.

“That is what we have been doing and will continue to do.

“It doesn’t mean we are not investing in or buying good players; we are just doing it in a smart and sustainable way.

“We may not be competing in the Champions League this year but we are still making progress as a club and continuing to add quality to our squad.

“We are also improving financially, which means that as we go forward with the plan we will have more resources and will be able to invest more than we have in the past.”