Steven Gerrard’s Time With the LA Galaxy Comes to an End

The team announced on Tuesday the star midfielder would not return to the five-time MLS Champion club for the 2017 MLS season.

The announcement did not come as a surprise to many in the soccer world as Gerrard's contract with the team had expired and his departure opens up a valuable DP spot for the 2017 season.

Gerrard scored five goals and tallied 14 assists in 34 appearances with the LA Galaxy, but he was a shell of his former self after a 17-year stint with Liverpool.

“When I left Liverpool, I came to Los Angeles with the goal of helping the Galaxy lift another MLS Cup,” said Gerrard in an open letter to the fans. “I am of course disappointed to have not achieved that objective, but I can look back at my time at the club with pride at what we accomplished, including two straight playoff appearances and countless memorable moments on the pitch. As someone who spent the whole of their career in Liverpool, it has been an incredible experience to come to Los Angeles and play for the LA Galaxy. I would like to thank Mr. Anschutz, Dan Beckerman, Chris Klein and Bruce Arena for this opportunity. I would also like to thank my teammates, the coaching staff, all of the support staff and most importantly the fans for their fantastic support during my time at Galaxy; I am excited to see this league and this great club continue to grow. I am now looking forward to spending time with my family as I consider the next stage of my career.”

The 36-year-old signed with the Galaxy in January of 2015, but finished out the English Premier League season moving to Los Angeles in June and debuting with the most decorated club in MLS history in July.

With Liverpool, Gerrard was one of the greatest players in English soccer history. He was the team's longest-serving captain and made over 700 appearances with the club, scoring 185 goals with the Reds.

Unfortunately, Gerrard's glory years never translated onto the field with the Galaxy. The midfielder struggled getting acclimated with his new teammates, and looked slow and lethargic at times on the pitch.

There were flashes of the old Gerrard at times, especially when he was delivering passes on a dime to his teammates for goals, but throughout the last 18 months, Gerrard was constantly hampered with injuries—mainly his hamstring—and was never able to remain consistent because of it.

At times, Gerrard appeared to enjoy the laidback LA lifestyle more than focusing his full attention on the pitch. He posted constant pictures on social media of himself out and about with friends, even hanging out with David Beckham and chef Gordon Ramsay.

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Like many European stars who head to the MLS during the twilight years of their career, Gerrard was content to collect a pay check, and ride out into the sunset enjoying the luxuries that America had to offer.

Gerrard famously credited the grueling flight schedule after his first stint with the LA Galaxy last season. Cross country flights, playing in all different weather conditions was unfamiliar to the star, and he admitted it took some getting used to.

The LA Galaxy and Gerrard underachieved together over the past two seasons, and it's now time for the club to rebuild in his wake. If it's any consolation at all, Gerrard was able to leave Galaxy fans on a high note, with a converted penalty kick goal past USMNT goalkeeper Tim Howard in the team's shootout loss to the Colorado Rapids.

With Gerrard certain to leave Los Angeles, his future will most likely take place back in England where he can either join a smaller club for a farewell tour, or he can join the Liverpool coaching staff, something that has been rumored for years.

Gerrard is a Liverpool legend and will certainly be welcome at Anfield as current manger Jurgen Klopp has praised Gerrard and welcomed his return to the team.

In any event, LA fans will say goodbye to the British import for his short stint with their soccer club and wish him the best in his future endeavors.