Suárez and Gerrard good friends off the field

On Saturday Steven Gerrard, LA Galaxy’s new signing, came out at half time during his new team’s game against Toronto FC to say a few words to the fans in the StubHubCenter, the stadium where the California side play their home games. The legendary former Liverpool captain arrives in Los Angeles to lead the team along with another former Premier League player, the captain Robbie Keane. The Galaxy are the current MLS Champions and Gerrard is set to begin training with the team on 7 July and after his first session he will be unveiled officially in front of the press.

LA Galaxy will be the FC Barcelona’s first pre-season opponents when the two sides meet in a friendly on 22 July at 5.00am CET in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. Two of Steven Gerrard’s former team mates at Liverpool are current members of the Barça first team squad, Javier Mascherano and Luis Suárez. The Uruguayan striker spent three and a half seasons at Liverpool and formed a lethal partnership with the English midfielder.

Gerrard and Suárez good friends

The two players’ relationship extends beyond the field of play as has been shown on several occasions. One example is the message that the Barça striker posted on social media when Gerrard played his final game for Liverpool: “Thanks legend, for everything you did for me at Anfield and for all the happiness that you have given the world of football. Thanks for everything mate. You are one of the greatest!”
Similarly, the midfielder congratulated Suárez for his Champions League success back on 6 June in Berlin, posting a photo in which they both appear with a Barça shirt signed by the striker and dedicated to his former team mate. “Congratulations my friend!” was the message that accompanied the photograph.

Mascherano also former team mate

Javier Mascherano also played at Anfield for three and a half seasons. The Argentina formed a famous midfield trio alongside Gerrard and Xabi Alonso. Unfortunately, ’el jefecito’ was unable to claim a trophy during his time at Liverpool, coming closest when they were beaten in the final of the 2007 Champions League by AC Milan.