A statement from Liverpool says that while no decision has been made about Gerrard’s destination, he will not play for another British club.
“This has been the toughest decision of my life,” Gerrard says in the statement, “and one which both me and my family have agonised over for a good deal of time.
“I am making the announcement now so that the manager and the team are not distracted by stories or speculation about my future.
“Liverpool Football Club has been such a huge part of all our lives for so long and saying goodbye is going to be difficult, but I feel it’s something that’s in the best interests of all involved, including my family and the club itself.
“I’m going to carry on playing and although I can’t confirm at this stage where that will be, I can say it will be somewhere that means I won’t be playing for a competing club and will not therefore be lining up against Liverpool – that is something I could never contemplate.
“My decision is completely based on my wish to experience something different in my career and life and I also want to make sure that I have no regrets when my playing career is eventually over.”
'The toughest decision of my life': Gerrard confirms Liverpool departure
LIVERPOOL AND STEVEN Gerrard have this morning confirmed that the club captain will leave his boyhood team at the end of the season.
Reports emerged late last night that the 34-year-old would indeed run out his contract at Anfield and make himself available for a free transfer, with the MLS reportedly his preferred option.
A statement from Liverpool says that while no decision has been made about Gerrard’s destination, he will not play for another British club.
“This has been the toughest decision of my life,” Gerrard says in the statement, “and one which both me and my family have agonised over for a good deal of time.
“Liverpool Football Club has been such a huge part of all our lives for so long and saying goodbye is going to be difficult, but I feel it’s something that’s in the best interests of all involved, including my family and the club itself.
“I’m going to carry on playing and although I can’t confirm at this stage where that will be, I can say it will be somewhere that means I won’t be playing for a competing club and will not therefore be lining up against Liverpool – that is something I could never contemplate.
“My decision is completely based on my wish to experience something different in my career and life and I also want to make sure that I have no regrets when my playing career is eventually over.”
Obviously, Jose Mourinho blamed the officials after defeat to Spurs
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Liverpool MLS Premier League Stalwart Steven Gerrard STEVIE G talisman