One of the biggest transfer stories of the summer isn’t even taking place in England. Or in Europe.
But our neighbours across the pond got a fantastic surprise Saturday when Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard was officially introduced to his new LA Galaxy home crowd.
Gerrard is just the latest Premier League player to move to Major League Soccer, and to LA, after David Beckham and Robbie Keane – for his part, Keane bagged a hat trick in Saturday’s 4-0 win over Toronto FC.
Although Gerrard won’t make his on-field MLS debut until the Galaxy’s July 17 contest against the San Jose Earthquakes, the former Reds captain was unveiled at half-time and gave a speech to fans.
#LAGalaxy #LosAngelesGalaxy #LAG #mls Steven Gerrard given roaring welcome by LA Galaxy fans – video http://t.co/qrRQZu2KOe
— LA Galaxy Fans (@LAGalaxyNews) July 5, 2015
Gerrard is literally in front of me omg
— karina (@karialejwest) July 5, 2015
https://twitter.com/Sebocuban09/status/617764199763021824
Full respect to Steven Gerrard, why would you not go play for the LA Galaxy?? #westcoastliving
— Jack Cornelius (@youwanttobejack) July 5, 2015
Oh, and he bought beer for 500 of them.
Steven Gerrard scores with @LAGalaxy fans before touching the field, buys beer for LA supporters' pregame tailgates. pic.twitter.com/PETj1zLoMP
— 120 Sports (@120Sports) July 5, 2015
Most were pretty grateful.
I'm just glad the Riot Squad finally got a drink. RT @LARiotSquad Welcome to the club Steven Gerrard!!!! Thanks for the beer. @LAGalaxy
— Kevin Ryder (@thekevinryder) July 4, 2015
Today was great. Beer and food and Jell-O shots and great friends and sunshine and Steven Gerrard and LA Galaxy winning and fireworks.
— James (@englishguy) July 5, 2015
I've never liked Steven Gerrard, but I'm drinking beer that he bought so he's pretty much my favorite player now. My love is for sale.
— Ryan Rosenblatt (@RyanRosenblatt) July 5, 2015
But, understandably, many LFC supporters are still just a tad bitter…
It's the remix to Ignition Steven Gerrard edition Couldn't win the Premier league Guess it's time for a transition pic.twitter.com/YgKExoI0dS
— Sary (@RobinVanGaaal) July 5, 2015
Steven Gerrard in a LA Galaxy jersey… I though I was ready for this. I wasn't ready for this at all.
— Mark Grinberg (@markgrinberg) July 6, 2015
Some people questioned if Americans even know what they’re getting with Gerrard.
Ha ha ha ask a resident of LA if they know anything about Steven Gerrard and if they know anything at all it's that he knows David Beckham
— paul cawthra (@1972pic) July 6, 2015
https://twitter.com/SuperN7RFC/status/617924526261829632
Regardless, MLS fans are excited to see what Stevie G will bring to the pitch.
https://twitter.com/1alexcam/status/617002158051991552
So stoked!! Just got tickets to see my idol Steven Gerrard play against the Rapids on Aug 1!! #BeenTooLongOldBoy
— Austin Ewers (@DirtyMagic5) July 5, 2015
https://twitter.com/aileentotheleft/status/615219545091903489
Welcome Steven Gerrard to @MLS #soccer! Can't wait to see what you bring to the beautiful game
— Ria Qureshi (@aprilriaqureshi) July 5, 2015
… And then there’s this guy.
One day after we commemorate the overthrow of English tyranny we're supposed to be all SQUEEEEEEE over Steven Gerrard? No. #DontTreadOnMeBro
— Shawn Levy (@shawnlevy) July 5, 2015