Former Liverpool and England captain Steven Gerrard has retired from professional football and is considering a “number of options” about his next career move.
The 36-year-old Gerrard, who has also been captain of England’s national team, announced recently that he was leaving the Los Angeles Galaxy after two seasons.
BREAKING: Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard announces retirement from football. More to come. pic.twitter.com/97k9O0aKvL
— MailOnline Sport (@MailSport) November 24, 2016
Gerrard will now take time to consider his options before deciding on his next career move, having admitted this week that he spoke to MK Dons about their vacant managerial position, but felt the role had come too soon for him.
Steven Gerrard’s statement announcing his retirement from professional football pic.twitter.com/EMIAbOEjD7
— PA Dugout (@PAdugout) November 24, 2016
“Following recent media speculation surrounding my future I can confirm my retirement from playing professional football,” Gerrard confirmed in a statement. 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. 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.
“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.
Gerrard, 36, played 710 times for the Reds, winning eight major trophies, but joined MLS side LA Galaxy in 2015.
He is England’s fourth most-capped player with 114 appearances and captained the side at three of the six major tournaments he played at.
Gerrard was also Liverpool’s longest-ever serving captain and made 710 appearances for his boyhood club, inspiring them to to their famous Champions League final victory over AC Milan in 2005 while also helping the Reds win the FA Cup twice (2001, 2006), the League Cup on three occasions (2001, 2003, 2012) and the UEFA Cup once (2001) during an 18-year association with the club.
more to follow…