LA Galaxy Move Will Come as a Relief to Liverpool Legend Steven Gerrard

Read between the lines, and Steven Gerrard sounds almost relieved to be exchanging the burden of Liverpool for the adventure of the Los Angeles Galaxy, which on Wednesday announced the 34-year-old's capture on its official website.

"The time's right for myself and my family for the change, for the fresh challenge," Gerrard told the Los Angeles Times. "I've been [at Liverpool] for a long time. I've given an awful lot back to this club."

That he has, and it's hard to believe he didn't feel jilted when a contract wasn't offered by the Anfield outfit during the summer. He'd have signed it, he revealed to the Liverpool Echo on Tuesday, and it wasn't until late November that a 12-month extension was put in front of him.

But it came with a caveat—his name would not be guaranteed on manager Brendan Rodgers' team-sheet.

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"I've got to be honest, the chat with Brendan came earlier than I was expecting," he remarked, adding, "I've never wanted to be a squad player. If I was missing games now, I'd be sitting out even more next season. I knew it would get worse and worse as time went on."

Playing time is not something he'll have to worry about in Major League Soccer. With Landon Donovan retired, the Galaxy are eager for a high-profile difference-maker who can link up with Robbie Keane. They'll also be among the favourites to win the 2015 title, and the prospect of silverware had at least something to do with attracting Gerrard to southern California.

"I want to finish my career very strong," he told the L.A. Times. "I want to add more medals and trophies to my collection."

The Galaxy will provide a chance for the former England captain to go out on a high—something he clearly didn't feel was possible at Liverpool. Even if the Reds had gotten themselves back in the title picture next season, or made a run in one of the cups, he might have felt a reduced role in the team would have diminished his enjoyment of any success.

He can hardly be faulted for that, nor for perhaps growing wearisome of pundits claiming he is vital to the squad one day and commending Rodgers from keeping him out of the lineup the next.

"I now feel it's the time for a fresh break and to try something different," he said, according to the L.A. Times.

Again, the relief almost bursts from his statement.

He added: "I think it's a match made in heaven, really."

Maybe more an optimal severance and timely switch than perfect match, but you can read between the lines.

Follow @jerradpeters