Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard admits he turned down a "couple of nice opportunities" to move to a club in Europe in order to pursue a new challenge with the Los Angeles Galaxy.
The 35-year-old midfielder is set to be presented to his new club's fans at half-time of today's Major League Soccer game against Toronto.
He will then publicly don Galaxy kit for the first time in an open training session on Tuesday ahead of a press conference, with his debut pencilled in for July 17 at home to San Jose Earthquakes.
Former England captain Gerrard is looking forward to a fresh start after admitting he wanted a new challenge.
"I had some nice opportunities around Europe," he told Galaxy TV. "But I wanted a completely fresh challenge, to come out of my comfort zone, live away from home and get a different life experience and choose a place where my family can enjoy themselves and settle.
"When I retire from football in a few years time I want to say I did try something different and didn't stay in the same place - although I loved every minute of it."