The 35-year-old midfielder was presented to the American press on Tuesday following a training session with his team-mates and cannot wait to get started with his MLS debut pencilled in for July 17 at home to San Jose Earthquakes.

The former England international told Galaxy TV: “First and foremost I’d like to thank the club for getting me here. The club and (head coach) Bruce (Arena) were very aggressive in making me come here and I’m very excited to be here.”

Gerrard was presented to his new club’s fans at half-time of Saturday’s MLS game against Toronto FC and he was delighted with the response adding: “At the game on Saturday I had a wonderful reception by the supporters and great welcome from my team-mates and I can’t wait to get playing with them.

“We’ve got a fantastic team here, a fantastic set-up and I hope to add a bit to that and contribute to the best of my ability and I think the future can be really bright. I’m just looking forward to getting my boots out and getting on the pitch.”

Meanwhile, former Chelsea midfielder Lampard is finally ready to make his debut for the first-year franchise he agreed to join back in July 2014, with Sunday’s visit of Toronto FC set to provide him with that stage.

Lampard has been using the time which has elapsed since he left Manchester City in May to both train alongside his new team-mates – who include David Villa and the freshly-captured Andrea Pirlo – and sample the sights and sounds of the Big Apple.

The 37-year-old Londoner told a press conference: “The challenge is to come here and do the best I can – and win. I wouldn’t have come here if I didn’t think I had a lot left in me.

“My fitness is good. It’s a mini pre-season for me. I hope to get to peak fitness as quickly as possible.

“I’ve been watching all the games. I know every player and how they play. It will be a pleasure to play with them every day. My aim is to look forward. All I am is excited to be here now and play my best football.”