The Major League Soccer offseason has already been dominated by headlines of Didier Drogba leaving Montreal for a return to Chelsea, and now it appears that another star could be looking to hang up his boots, albeit in a much cleaner departure.
According to the Daily Telegraph, Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Steven Gerrard is seriously contemplating retirement following the 2016 MLS season, and moreover will be pursuing a career in coaching.
The former Liverpool captain spoke about his potential exit from playing, saying, “I’m not 100 per cent sure but I think it will probably be my last year as a player.”
The 35-year old came over from Anfield and Bruce Arena’s side in July 2015. The midfielder made 13 starts in as many matches during the homestretch of the Galaxy’s regular season campaign, notching two goals and three assists.
While it remains to be seen if a Liverpool return is in the cards, it wouldn’t come as any shock if the English legend finds a position on Jurgen Klopp’s staff.
In November, Klopp dismissed the possibility of Gerrard returning to the club as a player, but didn’t rule out the team finding a spot for him.
“We will find something for Stevie, for sure, when he comes back and whatever he wants to do we will help him but not at this moment. We are in the middle of the season,” Klopp said.
Gerrard has become a major advocate for players transitioning into the ranks of coaching, also expressing discontent about how many of the game’s greats are tossed aside after long, successful careers.
“They should be getting offers they cannot refuse,” says Gerrard. “If a player has got 100 caps and 700 club games how can a club and the FA just let them go? They have so much to offer.”
“A lot of clubs don’t let it happen – they don’t let players like that go. You see it at Manchester United with Ryan Giggs, Barcelona with Pep Guardiola, they say when you finish here, this will happen.”
What kind of mark do you think Steven Gerrard will leave on the Galaxy in 2016? Should Liverpool welcome back its former star? Do you think Gerrard’s comments about treatment of former players is accurate?
Share your thoughts below.