Steven Gerrard to quit Liverpool at end of season

LA Lakers' Kobe Bryant has welcomed Steven Gerrard to Los Angeles by telling him to 'kick some ass' and win the title next year.

Gerrard's transfer to LA Galaxy at the end of the season was confirmed on Wednesday.

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has spoken to La Galaxy TV about his move to the club.

In the interview, he said was "really excited about the new challenge" and said that the ethos of the club suits where he is in his career, adding that he wants to be a success.

Talking about moving away from Liverpool he said: "I'm a Scouser through and through. I am proud of my roots. But you only get one life, and it's important to try new things."

Listen to the full interview with Steven Gerrard on his decision to leave Liverpool Football Club. Click here.

To watch an interview with Steven Gerrard on his decision click here

By Tom Allnutt, Press Association Sport

Steven Gerrard could have his choice of clubs from all over the world after announcing his decision to leave Anfield at the end of the season.

In a club statement on Friday, Gerrard ruled out joining another Barclays Premier League team or any major continental club, insisting he could never contemplate lining up against his boyhood club competitively.

Here, Press Association Sport takes a look at three possible destinations for the Liverpool captain.

Major League Soccer USA

Gerrard would be the latest in a long line of European stars to head for MLS with the likes of Thierry Henry, Alessandro Nesta, David Villa and Frank Lampard all following David Beckham's lead in signing for teams across the Atlantic. Aside from the temptations of lifestyle and financial benefits, Gerrard could also be sure he would never face Liverpool in a competitive fixture.

The Middle East

A move to the Middle East would undoubtedly represent a step down for Gerrard in terms of standard but if he is looking for a new experience on and off the pitch, a lucrative move to either United Arab Emirates or Qatar could prove the most rewarding. He would be following former Real Madrid striker Raul who joined Qatari side Al Sadd in 2012.

Australia

Former Juventus striker Alessandro Del Piero's switch to Sydney FC in 2012 injected a dose of glamour into the A-League but Gerrard would arguably represent an even bigger coup for soccer in Australia. The Liverpool captain could do wonders for a sport that continues to gain in popularity and he would not be the first former Liverpool man to play Down Under, with Robbie Fowler and Emile Heskey both joining the A-League in recent years.

Mike Hall reports on Steven Gerrard's decision to leave Liverpool at the end of the season.