Steven Gerrard leaves LA Galaxy, ends disappointing 17-month stay

Former England and Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard is ending his stint with MLS club LA Galaxy after two seasons. The midfield maestro has kept his options open and is considering what to do next.

The 36-year-old Gerrard spent his entire club career at Liverpool before moving to Los Angeles in 2015. In 34 appearances during an injury-plagued tenure with the Galaxy, Gerrard scored five goals with 14 assists.

Gerrard, who never won the Premier League with Liverpool,leaves the Galaxy without lifting the MLS Cup. The Galaxy finished ninth and sixth in the MLS table during his twoseasons before losing early in the play-offs each time.

Gerrard wrote on the Galaxy website : "I am now lookingforward to spending time with my family as I consider the nextstage of my career."

Gerrard showed flashes of his Liverpool greatnessstateside, but also dealt with numerous injuries and struggledwith MLS' travel demands throughout his stay in California.

He was sidelined for one month between games twice duringthe second half of this season, returning to play 45 minuteson Nov. 6 while the Galaxy were eliminated from the playoffsat Colorado.

Gerrard scored for the Galaxy during penalty kicks in hisfinal game.

 "He obviously dealt with some injuries here in his yearand a half, but his presence was great for the club," Galaxycoach Bruce Arena said last week before Gerrard had announcedhis plans.

"If (the playoff loss) was his last game, to finish theway he finished, with that kick and the 45 minutes he gave,was impressive after being out for close to two months. Andthe penalty was impressive. If that's his last kick, then wewere honored to have Stevie here."

While he relished life in a rented Beverly Hills mansionwith his wife and children, Gerrard made no secret of hishomesickness for Merseyside. He repeatedly travelled back toEngland for treatment on his injuries and a broadcasting job,and he spoke fondly about his eagerness to return to Liverpoolfor good.

"I can look back at my time at the club with pride atwhat we accomplished, including two straight playoffappearances and countless memorable moments on the pitch,"Gerrard said.     

While Gerrard's departure was widely expected, the Galaxyhaven't announced whether Irish striker Robbie Keane orAmerican stalwart Landon Donovan will return to the club.

Arena is expected to retool the Galaxy's roster in theoffseason around young offensive talents Giovani Dos Santosand Gyasi Zardes.     

The 36-year-old Keane, who is out of contract, has been one of MLS' top players when healthy, but injuries and international duty kept him off the field for roughly half ofthe Galaxy's schedule this year.