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Steven Gerrard vows to return to Liverpool in some role in the future

Steven Gerrard has pledged to return to Liverpool in the future because he feels he can still make a contribution at Anfield.

Gerrard, who will turn 35 on Saturday, is preparing to join Major League Soccer side LA Galaxy after ending his 17-year first-team career with the Reds on Sunday.

The departing captain, currently on a post-season break in Dubai with the rest of the squad, has signed an 18-month deal with Galaxy.

In an open letter to Liverpool's fans, published by the Liverpool Echo, Gerrard wrote that he hoped to be back at Anfield in the future in a working capacity.

He wrote: "I've been a supporter all my life and that will continue. I hope to get the opportunity to come back and serve the club again one day. I feel that I can make a contribution in some role in the future."

Liverpool indicated earlier in May that Gerrard would be offered a coaching role once he retires from playing.

The former England captain is studying for UEFA coaching qualifications to enable him to take on such a job.

Gerrard, raised in the Huyton district of Liverpool, added in the letter that he had achieved a dream by playing for his local club.

He wrote: "When I was a kid, kicking a ball around in Ironside Road in Huyton, all I ever wanted to do was play for Liverpool. I dreamed of pulling that shirt on just once.

"I never thought I'd get close to achieving that so to be able to look back on a first-team career of 710 appearances spanning 17 years. I am immensely proud.

"I have loved every minute of playing for the best supporters in the world."