Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard believes that Major League Soccer can match the standards of the Premier League in future.
The 35-year-old midfielder, who signed for LA Galaxy in 2015, recently started his second season with the MLS club.
When asked about his experience in MLS, he told Dan Rookwood from MR PORTER in an exclusive interview that the North American competition has the scope to one day join England's top flight.
"The standard is different from the Premier League but it always going to be," said Gerrard.
"The rules are different; you're only allowed to have three people who break the wage structure.
"Whereas, in the Premier League, it's a free for all, you can spend money on quality players from all over the world, and there's no rules on the numbers.
"The standard in the Premier League is obviously ahead of the MLS, but it'll take time, and with patience, it might get close, we'll have to wait and see.
"My responsibility here is to try and help the MLS grow. It's to try and do a job for LA Galaxy and help the younger lads in the dressing room, and try a get a little bit more success before I finally hang my boots up, but it is different than what I'm used to.
"It's not as intense as playing in Liverpool. I think at this stage in my career it's perfect for me to be out here for an 18-month contract."