30th May is a special day for Liverpool fans from around the world, as it was on this day thirty-six years ago that their Champions League winning captain Steven Gerrard was born.
Gerrard joined Liverpool academy at the age of nine, after he was noticed by club scouts while playing for hometown team Whiston Juniors.
Gerrard signed his first professional contract with Liverpool on 5th November 1997 and made his first-team debut on 29 November 1998 in a Premier League match against Blackburn Rovers.
The midfield maestro was made Liverpool captain in October 2003 by then manager Gerard Houllier.
Gerrard guided his team to FA Cup success in 2006 and was also instrumental in Liverpool’s magical comeback in the 2005 Champions League final against AC Milan in Istanbul.
Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane in 2009 said “Is he the best in the world? He might not get the attention of Messi and Ronaldo but yes, I think he just might be. He has great passing ability, and can tackle and scores goals, but most importantly he gives the players around him confidence and belief. You can’t learn that – players like him are just born with that presence.” about Gerrard.
Gerrard played 695 professional games for the Reds scoring 180 goals.
He also won 10 major trophies including one Champions League, two FA Cups, one UEFA Cup and two UEFA Super Cups during his time at Anfield.