Steven Gerrard: NBA superstar Kobe Bryant reveals excitement at seeing Gerrard play for LA Galaxy and tells him to 'kick some ass'

Bryant plays for the LA Lakers and admits he will be a regular in attendance to see Gerrard in action when he joins the MLS side

Kobe Bryant and Steven Gerrard (Getty Images)

Steven Gerrard has been given a warm, stereotypical American welcome to the United States by none other than NBA great Kobe Bryant, who has instructed the current Liverpool captain to “kick some ass” when he joins LA Galaxy in the summer.

Gerrard’s departure from Liverpool was announced last week with the 34-year-old set to end his 17-year Anfield career when his contract expires at the end of the season. In a further announcement on Wednesday, Gerrard confirmed that he will join Galaxy upon the expiration of his current deal and make his MLS debut in July.

Gerrard will hope that his Galaxy side are able to outshine the other franchises located in the city with the NBA’s LA Lakers, the MLB’s LA Dodgers and LA Angels, the NHL’s LA Kings and Anaheim Ducks and the soon-to-be established MLS side LA FC – with reports also linking the St Louis Rams with a relocation to the city.

With Gerrard agreeing an 18-month contract worth a hefty £3.9m a year, another well-paid star that shines in LA has admitted that he can’t wait to see the former England captain in action and hopes to witness him get his hands on a first league title of his career.

Speaking to LA Galaxy’s official website, Bryant said: “What can I say, man? Welcome to Los Angeles.

“Welcome to La La Land, and hopefully that means bringing another championship to the Galaxy. I'm sure it will.

“I'm looking forward to getting out there and watching you do your thing.

Gerrard will leave Liverpool after 17 years (GETTY IMAGES)

“I've been a fan of yours for a very, very long time, and your versatility, and your aggressiveness, and your leadership.

“Welcome to Los Angeles, man. Enjoy.

“Kick some ass in the process. I'll be down there rooting you on my man. Peace.”

Bryant’s excitement at seeing Gerrard in action came after he the Liverpool legend spoke to the LA Times to reveal what his motivation was behind the move.

“I think it's a match made in heaven really. One of the reasons I chose LA Galaxy was because of the success they've had recently,” said Gerrard.

“I want to finish my career very strong. I want to add some medals and trophies to my collection.”