LA Galaxy take out full-page ad thanking Liverpool for Steven Gerrard

The LA Galaxy took out a full-page ad in a Liverpool newspaper on Monday to thank Steven Gerrard's former club for their outgoing captain ahead of his move to California.

Gerrard, who will join the MLS franchise as a Designated Player in July, played his final game in a Liverpool shirt in Sunday's 6-1 loss to Stoke City.

The ad, which appeared in the Liverpool Echo on the 10-year anniversary of the club's 2005 Champions League triumph, shows an image of Gerrard lifting the cup that day with a message.

"Ten years ago today, on one night in Istanbul, a leader became a legend. For the last 17 years, Liverpool has backed its loyal captain. To a club that set the example, from a city honored to carry that legacy, Thank You," the ad states.

#LAGalaxy pay tribute to Steven Gerrard with full-page Liverpool Echo ad. - http://t.co/l87xEe5q3w pic.twitter.com/HCrqK1OtMW

- Adam Serrano (@LAGalaxyInsider) May 25, 2015

"The LA Galaxy have a great deal of respect and admiration for Steven Gerrard and Liverpool FC," the franchise told MLSsoccer.com of the advertisement.

"The full page ad was taken out in Monday's edition of the Liverpool Echo as a way of honoring Liverpool's Champions League Final win in Istanbul 10 years ago today and as a thank you to the city of Liverpool, Liverpool FC and Gerrard for allowing the Galaxy to carry on that legacy."

Gerrard, 34, signed an 18-month contract to play for the Galaxy in January.