As Steven Gerrard gets set to turn the page on his Liverpool playing career and begin a new chapter with the LA Galaxy, he's getting some encouragement – from one superstar to another.
For the moment, Gerrard is focused on his final competitive game at Liverpool's home ground of Anfield on May 16 against Crystal Palace, and admitted in a recent interview that “I’ve got mixed emotions about it right now."
Gerrard, who has only played for Liverpool in his professional career to date, will be eligible to play for the Galaxy once the MLS transfer window opens in July.
“It’s exciting to know I will be trying something different, playing in another league and getting to see a lot of a great country like America," he said in the Liverpool Echo. “At the same time, I’m emotional and I know these final few weeks will be tough. It’s going to be difficult to let go."
Gerrard scored the winning goal for the Reds last week in a home win against QPR, and he received praise from Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers after the game (watch above).
“I just don’t know what is going to happen after my last game at Anfield against Crystal Palace," Gerrard said. "All I know is it will be a hugely emotional day for me when my Liverpool career comes to an end after so long.”
But Orlando City midfielder Kaká was interviewed by Sky Sports this week, and the Brazilian expressed his enthusiasm with Gerrard's impending arrival.
“He was one of the players I loved to watch. I like the way that he plays and the way that he moves on the field. I’m so happy he’s coming to play here. It’s going to help the league a lot," Kaká said in the exclusive interview.
“I’m not sure I’m in a position to give him some advice for the league, but it’s very competitive, so he will need to be ready to be competitive with his new team," he added.
Kaká, in his first season in MLS after a career spent with Sao Paulo, AC Milan and Real Madrid, expressed his happiness with making the move to North America.
“It’s a great experience to play in America in this league with this team and this project. I’m so happy here. Being the superstar of the league is not a pressure, it’s a big motivation.”
