Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has officially announced his retirement from football.
The former England and Liverpool skipper called it quits after a two-year stint at MLS side LA Galaxy.
Gerrard, who is considered the best that the Reds have ever produced, made 710 appearances in all competitions for Liverpool, with 186 goals to his name and clinched 11 trophies during his 17-year journey with the club.
Gerrard said: “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.”
“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.”
Gerrard led the Liverpool side and played a pivotal role in guiding his side to a crucial comeback victory in the Champions League 2005 final, where they were down by 3 goals to AC Milan at the break before pouncing back to draw level 3-3 in the second half and clinch a historic victory on penalties.
The Liverpool legend has two FA Cups, three League Cups, one UEFA Cup and the UEFA Super Cup to his name during his incredible journey with Liverpool.
He also boasts of a bright and sunny international career, with 114 England caps and also led his country in the 2010 and 2014 World Cups.
Gerrard earned his debut in 1998 and quickly established himself as one of the best midfielders in the world – and was selected in England’s squad for Euro 2000.
His quintessential role in the Reds squad earned him the captain’s armband in 2003 and he exceled in the role for more than a decade.
Earlier this month, The Football Association had invited English legends Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard, to begin their badges for stepping into a coaching role in the upcoming future.
Reports stated that the Three Lions bosses held talks with both the players and requested them to start working on their badges after the MLS season closes this winter.
Finishing all the badges and securing the necessary qualifications for stepping into a coaching role usually takes up to four years. Till date, the FA has not offered top-flight players a fast-track route to complete their badges. But looking at the recent crisis in the Three Lions set-up, the England bosses were keen on speeding up the process for Lampard and Gerrard – who would mentor the young English talents.
Gerrard’s Path To Glory
Club:
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
Individual:
Professional Footballers’ Association player of the year (1): 2006
Professional Footballers’ Association young player of the year (1): 2001
PFA team of the year (8): 2001, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2014
Football Writers’ Association footballer of the year (1): 2009
Premier League player of the month (6): February 2001, March 2003, December 2004, April 2006, March 2009, March 2014
FA Cup final man of the match (1): 2006
Champions League final man of the match (1): 2005
UEFA club footballer of the year (1): 2005
Ballon d’Or Bronze Award: 2005
MBE: 2007