Steven Gerrard: Jose Mourinho jokes about signing midfielder

Steven Gerrard will end his 25-year association with Liverpool when his contract expires at the end of the season

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has joked that he would try to sign Steven Gerrard on loan when the midfielder leaves Liverpool.

Gerrard, 34, has agreed to sign for MLS club LA Galaxy at the end of the season.

Mourinho said he was "sorry" that the former England captain is leaving the Premier League.

When asked if he would try to persuade Gerrard to stay, Mourinho told BBC 5 live: "Or to get him on loan."

Mourinho, who came close to signing Gerrard in 2005, applauded the midfielder as he was substituted during Liverpool's 1-1 draw with Chelsea in the Capital One Cup semi-final.

Mourinho said: "I'm not happy he leaves. I would love the Premier League to keep always the best players.

"I think he has more than enough quality to play in the Premier League. In spite [of the fact] he's my opponent, I feel sorry that he's leaving."

Former Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard agreed a move to the MLS with New York City after being released by the Blues at the end of last season.

But the 36-year-old will complete this campaign with Chelsea's title rivals Manchester City after his initial short-term deal was extended.