Steven Gerrard

Steven Gerrard, 36, made it clear at the beginning of 2016 that it would likely be his last year as a player. That statement is now on the verge of coming true. 

His contract with the Galaxy is up, and he’s announced that his MLS career is over. Gerrard, the former captain of Liverpool, has always been a larger than life figure. He could always be counted on to deliver at clutch moments, but he’s also been hindered by a sporting egotism that often left supporters feeling let down.

When we last checked in with Steven Gerrard, he was a mediocre-but-not-great MLS player, which is to say there was no way in hell the LA Galaxy were going to pay him gobs of money to stick around for another season. Whether the decision was mutual or on Stevie's side or the Galaxy's, Gerrard will be elsewhere after his contract ends in December.

Of all the big name, designated players on show during Sunday’s Western Conference semifinal between the Colorado Rapids and LA Galaxy (Tim Howard, Jermaine Jones, Steven Gerrard, Giovani dos Santos and Robbie Keane), it was the least-celebrated DP who made the biggest difference: Swiss attacking midfielder Shkelzen Gashi.

Gashi scored his 10th goal in MLS, and it was an absolute stunner. With the Galaxy enjoying a 1-0 aggregate lead following their victory in Los Angeles in the first leg, Gashi’s 36th minute wonder goal evened the score for Colorado.

Steven Gerrard will not be playing golf at a club that he applied to because of an incident that took place in 2013. Gerrard applied for membership at the Hillside Golf Club, but was rejected by the club due to an incident in 2013 in which a video surfaced that purportedly shows Gerrard punching a man in a street fight. 

We'll let you decide for yourself:

Steven Gerrard Maybe Punched A Person

The MLS regular season doesn’t begin play until March 6, but preseason preparations have begun around the league. Scavenging the social media accounts of all 20 clubs, we’ve compiled the best photos and videos from the 2016 preseason for your viewing pleasure. Smiling faces, southern sunshine and a tangible excitment surrounding the growth of MLS make the 21st season of the league the most anticipated to date.  

The Best Photos and Videos from the 2016 MLS Preseason:

Andrea Pirlo doing what only Andrea Pirlo can:

*Warning to readers with even a shred of dignity: do not read any further if you are offended by any and/or all references to Steven Gerrard's penis. Thank you.

Chapter six of Steven Gerrard's new book, "My Story," starts like this:

"The magic of the FA Cup was ruined the day my penis was bloodied and then stitched shut on an unromantic night in Bournemouth."

Steven Gerrard would like for you to stay in school, because you probably won't make it as a professional footballer. 

Still adjusting to Steven Gerrard not wearing red? So is the legend himself. 

He may be all the way across the Atlantic, but his roots to Liverpool stay strong. During his MLS debut against San Jose at home, Gerrard was pictured with his shin pads that had the Liverpool crest on them. 

Liverpool fan or not, massive respect to the former Liverpool captain showing how loyalty in the sport should be displayed. 

If he was allowed to wear a Liverpool undershirt, I’m sure he wouldn’t think twice to put it on.

For the first half hour or so, it looked like San Jose was going to spoil the party for Steven Gerrard and the LA Galaxy.

But, led by Gerrard and Robbie Keane, the Galaxy rallied behind the former Liverpool teammates to erase a 2-0 defecit and eventually win 5-2.

Gerrard scored his first MLS goal, added an assist and drew a penalty. Robbie Keane scored a hat trick, including two penalties.

This was one of the more exciting designated player league debuts we've seen. Now, the question is ifl Gerrard's good form will continue.

HIghlights below:

The first match of the International Champions Cup has concluded with the LA Galaxy walking away with a 2-1 victory over Club America. Not only was it the first match of the tournament, it was the first appearance for Steven Gerrard at his new Californian club. Seeing him outside of Anfield in a white, blue and yellow shirt was a little hard on the eye and will take more than forty-five minutes to become accustomed to.