Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has retired from football after more than 850 appearances spread over a 19-year career. The midfielder, who is currently 36, last played football in the Major League Soccer with the Los Angeles Galaxy. His immediate future was shrouded by speculations but the former England skipper has moved to cement indications that he is set to move into management.
Gerrard reckons he has had an incredible career and is thankful for each and every moment of his time at Liverpool, England and LA Galaxy, the clubs he played for in a glittering career.
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Gerrard’s career
Having donned the famous red shirt in his debut game against Blackburn Rovers, very few would have thought the man from Merseyside could go on to have such a stellar playing career. Gerrard won the Champions League, UEFA Cup, two FA Cups and three League Cups.
The Premier League trophy was the only major trophy missing from the legend’s glittering cabinet but that has not dented his achievements over the years.
Gerrard has been an integral figure to the Liverpool squad, helping the Reds lift many domestic and continental trophies before moving out finally in 2015.
He has recently turned down an offer to become manager at league one side MK Dons following his interest to pick up management immediately he retires from football.
The former UEFA Club footballer of the year (2005) had 114 caps for England scoring 21 goals.
His Statement
"As a teenager I fulfilled my childhood dream by pulling on the famous red shirt of Liverpool, and when I made my debut against Blackburn Rovers in November 1998 I could never have imagined what would then follow over the next 18 years.
"I feel lucky to have experienced so many wonderful highlights over the course of my career. I am proud to have played over 700 games for Liverpool, many of which as captain, and to have played my part in helping the club to bring major honours back to Anfield, none more so than that famous night in Istanbul.
"At an international level, I feel privileged to have won 114 England caps and to have had the honour of captaining my country. I will always look back with great pride at every time I pulled on the England shirt.
"I feel very fortunate to have had the career I've had but none of it would have been possible without the support of so many people.
"Firstly, I would like to thank everyone at Liverpool Football Club. I am proud to have played for and captained Liverpool for so many years and to have achieved what we achieved during my time at the club.
"I was lucky to play alongside some great players and under some fantastic managers during my time at Anfield and would like to thank each and every one of them, as well as all of the backroom staff at the club throughout my time there for the fantastic support they showed me.
"I would like to say a special thank you to Steve Heighway, Dave Shannon and Hugh McAuley for believing in me when I was making my way at Liverpool and for giving me the platform to go on and fulfil my dreams.
"Thank you to the amazing fans of Liverpool, England and LA Galaxy for the incredible backing you have given me throughout my career. Your loyalty and support has meant the world.
Full Club Honors
FA Cup (2): 2001, 2006
League Cup (3): 2001, 2003, 2012
Community Shield (1): 2006
Champions League (1): 2005
UEFA Cup (1): 2001
UEFA Super Cup (1): 2001
