STEVEN GERRARD HAS announced his retirement from professional football.
The 36-year-old has brought the curtain down on a 19-year career, during which he played 710 times for Liverpool before moving to LA Galaxy in 2015.
His 114 international appearances made him England’s fourth-most capped player ever. Gerrard scored 21 goals for his country, 186 for Liverpool and five for LA Galaxy.
The Merseyside native, who was the PFA Players’ Player of the Year in 2006, never managed to taste Premier League success during his time with Liverpool. However, he did win a Uefa Cup, a European Super Cup, two FA Cups, three League Cups and a Community Shield.
But the highlight came in Istanbul in 2005 when Gerrard captained the Reds to Champions League glory after they came from 3-0 down to defeat AC Milan on penalties in the final.
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In a statement released this morning, the legendary midfielder said there will be an announcement “very soon” on what the future will hold. Gerrard had been linked with the vacant managerial role at MK Dons but ruled himself out of the running last night.
“Following recent media speculation surrounding my future, I can confirm my retirement from playing professional football. I have had an incredible career and am thankful for each and every moment of my time at Liverpool, England and LA Galaxy,” Gerrard said.
Gerrard won 114 England caps. AP / Press Association Images
AP / Press Association Images / Press Association Images
“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.
After 18 years with Liverpool, Gerrard spent the final 18 months of his career with LA Galaxy. AP / Press Association Images
AP / Press Association Images / Press Association Images
“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.
“I am excited about the future and feel I still have a lot to offer the game, in whatever capacity that may be. I am currently taking my time to consider a number of options and will make an announcement with regards to the next stage of my career very soon.”
Steven Gerrard announces his retirement from football at 36
STEVEN GERRARD HAS announced his retirement from professional football.
The 36-year-old has brought the curtain down on a 19-year career, during which he played 710 times for Liverpool before moving to LA Galaxy in 2015.
His 114 international appearances made him England’s fourth-most capped player ever. Gerrard scored 21 goals for his country, 186 for Liverpool and five for LA Galaxy.
The Merseyside native, who was the PFA Players’ Player of the Year in 2006, never managed to taste Premier League success during his time with Liverpool. However, he did win a Uefa Cup, a European Super Cup, two FA Cups, three League Cups and a Community Shield.
But the highlight came in Istanbul in 2005 when Gerrard captained the Reds to Champions League glory after they came from 3-0 down to defeat AC Milan on penalties in the final.
In a statement released this morning, the legendary midfielder said there will be an announcement “very soon” on what the future will hold. Gerrard had been linked with the vacant managerial role at MK Dons but ruled himself out of the running last night.
“Following recent media speculation surrounding my future, I can confirm my retirement from playing professional football. I have had an incredible career and am thankful for each and every moment of my time at Liverpool, England and LA Galaxy,” Gerrard said.
“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.
“I am excited about the future and feel I still have a lot to offer the game, in whatever capacity that may be. I am currently taking my time to consider a number of options and will make an announcement with regards to the next stage of my career very soon.”
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Farewell? LA Galaxy Liverpool Steven Gerrard