Gerrard excited before debut

The 35-year-old midfielder was presented to the American press on Tuesday following a training session with his team-mates and cannot wait to get started with his Major League Soccer debut pencilled in for July 17 at home to San Jose Earthquakes.

The former England international told Galaxy TV: "First and foremost I'd like to thank the club for getting me here.

"The club and (head coach) Bruce (Arena) were very aggressive in making me come here and I'm very excited to be here."

Gerrard was presented to his new club's fans at half-time of Saturday's MLS game against Toronto FC and he was delighted with the response adding: "At the game on Saturday I had a wonderful reception by the supporters and great welcome from my team-mates and I can't wait to get playing with them.

"We've got a fantastic team here, a fantastic set-up and I hope to add a bit to that and contribute to the best of my ability and I think the future can be really bright.

"I've had a bit of jet leg and moved into a new house, it's new, it's fresh and it has been a bit of a whirlwind but it's very exciting.

"I'm just looking forward to getting my boots out and getting on the pitch."

Gerrard follows former England team-mate David Beckham, who played for the club between 2007 and 2012, and ex-Everton loanee Landon Donovan in making the move to the StubHub Center.

He added: "I'm really excited to be with the LA Galaxy and you mentioned two names there, David Beckham and Landon Donovan, who've contributed terrifically well for this football club and if I can follow in their footsteps I'll be very, very happy.

"David's a hero of mine, someone who I was lucky to play with - a fantastic guy and a wonderful footballer and he's certainly someone I leaned on for advice. I asked him a few questions before I decided to come here.

"And Landon, who I played against at Everton. He was the enemy for short periods of time and who I'm sure I'll bump into around the place and it'll be good to bounce some feedback off him as well - he's a legend here, he's a hero.

"I've looked at some of his performances over the years and that's the standard I'm sure everyone on this table hopes to see me follow in his footsteps."

Following the press conference Gerrard was presented with the number eight shirt ahead of his upcoming debut.