Steven Gerrard has no intention of a loan return to Liverpool, or a move to any other European club, during the MLS offseason.
The 35-year-old signed for LA Galaxy upon the completion of his contract with Liverpool last summer, making his debut in the American just seven weeks after playing his 37th match of the season for the Anfield side.
Reports last month suggested that Gerrard could be in line for a playing return to his only English club, a possibility that was downplayed by new Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp. And now the midfielder has confirmed that he will rest until returning to action with the Galaxy in February, though he did not rule out the possibility of training with his former side.
“I’ve retired from the national team so I don’t have to go and prove myself in Europe,” Gerrard told Eurosport.
“I need to get some rest because I’ve got a very long season ahead next year, so it’s very important I come back strong, rested and ready to go again.”
The short-term path from LA to Europe is a well-trodden one, with David Beckham regularly returning to Europe with AC Milan whilst playing for the Galaxy. Robbie Keane spent time on loan at Aston Villa whilst Landon Donovan twice turned out at Everton.
Gerrard’s LA Galaxy side were eliminated from the Western Conference knockout round in late October, their worst end to a season since 2008. Whilst the England midfielder is keen to claim the MLS Cup he doesn’t expect it to make up for the disappointments he suffered in the Premier League.
Steven Gerrard's greatest Liverpool moments
“I think it’d be fantastic to win the league over here but it certainly wouldn’t make amends for finishing second three times,” Gerrard said.
"They were very frustrating and disappointing moments and experiences I’ll never forget. But certainly the plan and the target for me, and the dream, is to try and become champion in the USA.
“I have to look at myself and the team and take responsibility for not being a champion in England, but of course the Premier League is very difficult, because every year two people – Mr Abramovich and the Sheikh at Manchester City – they pile in fortunes of money every single year so for clubs like Liverpool, Tottenham and Arsenal it becomes much more difficult.”
