Search icon

Sport

28th Jun 2015

Bruce Arena: LA Galaxy had their eye on Steven Gerrard alternative

JOE

It seems LA Galaxy had a different English midfielder in mind for their high-profile signing.

Steven Gerrard revealed in January that he was set to leave Liverpool to finish his career at the MLS franchise, but it sounds like the club had a different English legend in their sights.

Galaxy manager Bruce Arena revealed his original plans to bring Frank Lampard to the StubHub Centre during last year’s transfer window.

Moldova v England - FIFA 2014 World Cup Qualifier

“We recruited Frank pretty hard here,” Arena told the Daily Mirror.

“The deal was close…We talk to pretty much every single player that is interested in coming to the US and certainly when you hear Frank Lampard is willing, you’re gonna have a lengthly conversation.”

Having missed out to New York City for the Chelsea midfielder, Arena reaffirmed his belief that the 37-year-old will succeed in MLS.

“I got to know Frank and visited him in London and he’s a fabulous person and player and he’s really going to help football here in America. He’s going to do really well.”