Steven Gerrard presented as LA Galaxy player, eager to get started

CARSON, Calif. -- Steven Gerrard was announced as the newest member of the Los Angeles Galaxy on Tuesday following a training session with his teammates at the club's facility.

The longtime Liverpool captain admitted he was excited to get started with his new team and impressed with what he'd seen so far.

There was however, a stark contrast between the introduction of Gerrard and the signing of another marquee player from England, David Beckham, eight years ago.

Instead of a huge conglomerate of reporters like there was for Beckham, there was a manageable throng on hand to greet Gerrard. In fact, he had to compete for media attention from countryman Frank Lampard, who was at a New York presentation for new NYCFC players, as well as the downtown Los Angeles victory party for the U.S.A. Women's World Cup champions.

There were other differences, too. In 2007, the Galaxy were a struggling squad that missed the playoffs that year. Beckham himself was suffering from an ankle injury that sidelined him much of the season.

The Galaxy of 2015 are defending Major League Soccer champions and near the top of the standings this season. Gerrard is quite healthy, albeit in need of some "50 SPF" sunscreen that former Liverpool teammate Robbie Keane kindly provided.

It's early, but so far, the adjustment to only the second club in his career seems to be going well for Gerrard.

"It's grown, I think it's improved," Gerrard said of MLS. "I've been very impressed with the standard in training from my own teammates so far."

Thanks also in part to the trail blazed by Beckham, Gerrard is a member of a contingent of new stars to the league, American and otherwise, who now call MLS home.

"MLS has Kaka, David Villa, Frank Lampard, Sebastian Giovinco, Michael Bradley, Clint Dempsey, Obafemi Martins, and the list goes on," said Galaxy president Chris Klein.

Gerrard has apparently studied up on not only the league, but his new club in particular. He quickly answered questions about the potential of a midfield partnership with Juninho and mentioned how part of his job was to provide even more goal-scoring opportunities for Keane.

Klein mentioned that during a visit to Liverpool with coach Bruce Arena to speak with their new player, they were actually taken aback at how much he already knew about the league and the club.

The midfielder was unfazed when asked about difficulties of field quality, adverse weather conditions and the wear of travel in the league.

"I can't wait to play," Gerrard stated. "Whatever I'm asked to do by the coach, I'm going to do my best to do that."

That willing attitude was part of the reason for the Galaxy pursuing Gerrard with a fervor that impressed the new arrival, especially with his minutes declining at Liverpool.

"What struck me the most was how aggressive they were in getting me to come here," Gerrard said. "That made me feel very wanted."

The Liverpool icon also made it clear that, besides wanting a change for his family, he was committed to a move that would allow him to play without having to ever compete against his former club.

"I'm really excited to be with the LA Galaxy," Gerrard said. "David Beckham and Landon Donovan, who've contributed terrifically well for this football club, 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 No. 8 shirt ahead of his upcoming debut.

Information from Press Association sport was used in this story.