Steven Gerrard may have captained one of Europe's biggest clubs for more than a decade, but Robbie Keane has warned he is not ready to give up his duties as LA Galaxy skipper.

Gerrard will join the MLS club in the summer as Galaxy's second designated player after agreeing an 18-month deal with the US champions.

Former Tottenham and Liverpool forward Keane, who won the Most Valuable Player award after helping LA Galaxy lift the MLS Cup, has captained the side since 2013 and the 34-year-old says Gerrard has not been signed to replace him as skipper.

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard will join LA Galaxy on an 18-month deal in the summer

Current captain Robbie Keane celebrates with his son Robert after winning the MLS Cup

Keane poses with the Irish president after bringing his team to Dublin on Wednesday

LA Galaxy fans are able to pre-order the new Steven Gerrard jersey from the club website

Gerrard scores from the penalty spot during Liverpool's recent 3-2 win against Tottenham

Keane, pictured with wife Claudine in Los Angeles last week

Keane hold the award after being named the MLS' Most Valuable Player

'He is arriving as an addition, not as a replacement as captain,' Keane told reporters in Dublin.

The Republuic of Ireland international, who has netted 53 MLS goals during his three seasons with the club, has been in communication with Gerrard, who he spent six months playing alongside at Anfield.

'I have spoken to Steven and he is excited about the challenge of coming to LA Galaxy. He is going to be a great addition to our squad.'