On the field, LA Galaxy midfielder Steven Gerrard has no regrets about his stellar career.

But the educational opportunities he lets slide haunt him, Gerrard told LA Galaxy Academy players during a recent visit, captured in the video above:

"I wish my qualifications were better. I wish I had another language to speak. When I think of education, I never put enough in, and that's a regret I have. From a football point of view, I’ve got no regrets … but I do actually wish that I committed more in the classroom."

The candid message, delivered as part of a larger point in the importance of putting forth maximum effort in all areas of your life, has resonated beyond the immediate group. Over at soccer "lifestyle magazine" The Original Winger, author isps praises Gerrard for providing the proverbial "straight talk" with a deeply personal delivery:

I’m racking my brain, and I don’t think I’ve EVER heard a pro athlete say that. It’s unflinchingly honest and extreeeeeeemely admirable in my eyes because he doesn’t have to say it. But he does.

Kudos to the Galaxy for setting up the session, and double kudos to Gerrard for making a concerted attempt to connect.

For more on the LA Galaxy Academy, visit lagalaxy.com/academy.