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Steven Gerrard departs LA Galaxy

MLS Soccer - Los Angeles Galaxy v San Jose Earthquakes

MLS Soccer - Los Angeles Galaxy v San Jose Earthquakes

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Steven Gerrard has addressed the elephant in the room.

He will not be playing for the LA Galaxy in 2017.

[ MORE: How can USA win? ]

Gerrard, 36, confirmed the news on Tuesday as the Liverpool and England legend calls time on his time in LA a day after Frank Lampard revealed he would not return to New York City FC next season. Just like that, Major League Soccer is without two huge star names as it is highly doubtful either will stay in the league.

In an injury-hit 18 months in California Gerrard scored five goals and added 14 assists in 34 games for the club as they reached the MLS Cup playoffs in both campaigns but failed to add to their league-record five MLS Cup titles.

Gerrard released the following statement on his departure from LA:

“When I left Liverpool, I came to Los Angeles with the goal of helping the Galaxy lift another MLS Cup,” Gerrard said. “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 big question right now is what will Gerrard do?

Will he retire? Will he move in to coaching? He has been seen leaving Liverpool’s training ground in recent weeks and Jurgen Klopp allowed Gerrard to train with his former team last season, so a role on the coaching staff at his former club could be in the works.

The English national team has also declared its interest in taking on Gerrard and Lampard as coaches and want them to help nurture their young talent, but maybe Gerrard isn’t done playing. Reports suggest he could head to China to play or even to Celtic to link up with former boss Brendan Rodgers.

He will always have options but overall Gerrard’s time in MLS was largely forgettable as injuries hit him hard and LA failed to win trophies in two disjointed campaigns.

Follow @JPW_NBCSports