Gerrard set to leave Liverpool for the U.S.

Steven Gerrard wants to win a trophy and lead Liverpool to a top-four finish in the English Premier League before he leaves his childhood club for Major League Soccer at the end of the season.

A day after Gerrard announced he will leave the club and play abroad, the long-time captain confirmed on Saturday he will go to Major League Soccer, though he has yet to sign a deal with an MLS side.

“I’ll be going to play in America,’’ Gerrard said on Liverpool’s in-house TV channel. “I’m not over the line with any team just yet. I’m close and as soon as I know, I’ll make the announcement. I’d love nothing better than to try to win a trophy and leave the team in the top four.’’

Gerrard’s move to the United States will bring the curtain down on a 17-year career at Anfield, where he has won 10 trophies.

34-year-old Gerrard said it was time for him to continue his career elsewhere.

“I’m bright enough to realize it is the right thing for everyone, but when you’ve been a starter and a mainstay in the team for such a long time, it was a very difficult conversation to have with the manager,’’ he said.

AP