The Los Angeles Galaxy learned a valuable lesson from Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard’s past in telling him “what he wanted to hear” in their aggressive pursuit of the midfielder.
The 34-year-old will leave Anfield at the end of this season after confirming he will be joining the reigning Major League Soccer
Both Gerrard and Galaxy themselves describe the recruitment process as “aggressive”, which is in stark contrast to the way Liverpool handled his contract negotiations.
The midfielder has come close to leaving in the past, notably to Chelsea in 2005, only for long-running sagas to end with him remaining at Anfield.
But Gerrard said: “Their (the Galaxy’s) pursuing me was very aggressive.
“The talks I’ve had with them have been very positive, they basically told me what I wanted to hear, told me about the winning mentality of the club, what their goals are for the future.
“Having spoken to the manager Bruce Arena and the people above him they are very aggressive and they want success and that is what I want and that is how I want to finish my career.
"I’d like to think I’ve got the same attitude as the people who have made this signing happen – the manager, the CEO and the
owner, they like to see themselves as winners.”
Having been told his Liverpool game-time would be reduced over the coming season, Gerrard felt he was ready for a move as he still has plenty to offer.
“I think it is time for a fresh challenge in my life,” added the midfielder. “At this stage of my career I think the timing is right to move on, but I still feel like a player.
“I’ve watched a lot of their games and I still know I can perform well for the next couple of years so I want to go into a set-up with a winning mentality with a team that is used to winning.
“I am not going over there for a holiday or to enjoy myself.
“I am going there to win; if I win and play well then my life becomes enjoyable. Football is my life and it will continue to be so for the next couple of years.”
