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Steven Gerrard has warned LA Galaxy fans not to compare him with David Beckham, aside from his performances on the pitch.
The former Liverpool skipper's move to Hollywood has attracted plenty of media traction on both sides of the Atlantic.
However, the veteran has been keen to cool links between himself and former international team mate Beckham, who spent five years with LA Galaxy during his illustrious career.
The only aspect that ex-England captain Gerrard is willing to compete with his countryman on is footballing ability: "I think the important thing for me and for people to understand is that I'm not David Beckham.
"I'm not as good looking as him and I don't have the influence that maybe David has, but I'd like to think I'm on the same level when it comes down to performing on the football pitch," Gerrard told ESPN.
Beckham's willingness to embrace celebrity culture saw him become one of the most marketable footballers on the planet, but such a level on influence cannot be matched by the Liverpudlian.
Europe's most marketable footballers
Gerrard is also eager to ensure that is his new colleagues at LA Galaxy see him as an approachable figure, rather than an aloof superstar.
"I'm very humble. I treat all my teammates exactly the same. I'm not just here for myself. I'm here to try to demand and push these guys to improve and try to help them as much as I can, and they'll realise in a short space of time that I'm here for every single one of them to bounce things off me.
"If they need me for anything both on or off the pitch, I'm willing to help. I don't treat people in life on what they earn, or how much they're worth. I treat them as human beings, and everyone's been fantastic with me from day one," Gerrard declared.
