Daniel Sturridge has claimed that Liverpool teammate Steven Gerrard will one day return to the club as manager.

Gerrard confirmed earlier this month that he will join LA Galaxy when his current contract expires at the end of the season, but Sturridge is convinced that the Liverpool skipper will be back at Anfield in the future.

"I'm devastated he's leaving," Sturridge told reporters. "I think he'll be at the club in some capacity very soon and I'm sure he'll manage the club one day.

"Words can't describe what he's done for Liverpool as well as his country.

"He's still a role model of mine. I look up to him, I think everyone in the squad does. He'll be sorely missed - he's somebody who's given me a lot of experience and helped me to improve as a person and a footballer."

Sturridge, who has not played since August, has claimed that he is ready to return from injury against West Ham United on Saturday.