Steven Gerrard today announced he’ll be Anfield in the summer after 25 years, 17 seasons, 695 games, scoring 180 goals and winning 10 trophies with his beloved Liverpool. The ultimate “One club man” is finally leaving his boyhood club, not for any other rival club or for oil-rig money. The former England captain will lead his team one final time against Stoke City because he feels he can’t contribute anymore. Gerrard is all about sheer passion and money has never been an issue for the Liverpool captain. Throughout his glorious Anfield career, Gerrard rejected a host of top clubs including the likes of Real Madrid, Chelsea, Inter and Bayern Munich. After bailing out Liverpool on numerous occasions, Anfield will be miss their favourite son.
Thierry Henry: “I can’t think of a striker in the world who has scored so many important goals, never mind a midfielder.”
It’s easy to point out why Gerrard is the greatest Liverpool player to grace the hallowed turf of Anfield. The man always dreamt of winning the league title and came close to winning it a couple of times, but throughout his career he never felt the need to join a rival club to achieve his ultimate dream. While the likes of Kenny Dalglish and Ian Rush played in an invincible Liverpool team, Steven Gerrard drived a mediocre team to success. The Anfield talisman will forever be remembered as a rare gem in this modern era. Players are worshipped for their trophies, but Steven Gerrard need not worry about it as he his a proven winner. The absence of league titles will never come back to haunt him and his legacy will carry on for years to come. He will be remembered as once in a generation captain for his contributions on and off the field. He is the only player to score in a FA Cup Final, League Cup Final, UEFA Cup Final and European Cup Final . Trophies catch dust, it’s the memories that stays and Gerrard has given countless number of memories to the Anfield faithful. Silverwares fail to define a man like Steven Gerrard.
Zidane once said : “He has had a great career winning many things – but it would be a big shame for him if he was never to win the league with Liverpool. For everything that he has given – he deserves a league title.’
‘I don’t think that is any secret that Real Madrid and Chelsea had big interest in him and that is just the teams the media knew about.
‘He could have played for any team in Europe – but he turned them down. That sort of loyalty should be rewarded with a title.’
Under Gerard Houllier in 2001, a young Steven Gerrard scored a piledriver in the UEFA Cup final against Alaves. It was the start of something special for the Liverpool fans. That sublime volley against Olympiakos to take Liverpool through to the knock-out stages of the Champions League. Liverpool went on to win the Champions League and their hero once again inspired the team, after they were 3-0 down to Italian giants AC Milan.
Steven Gerrard: ” How can I think of leaving Liverpool after a night like this? I am really happy with the club. I will be having talks with the chairman and the manager shortly, but it is looking good. Liverpool fans are crazy, they were unbelievable, and I’d like to dedicate this victory to them.”
Gerrard made a habit of scoring crucial goals for Liverpool and once again when the time was running out, he came up with a 90 th minute screamer against West Ham in the FA Cup final. His greatest moments include the hat-trick against Everton under Kenny Dalglish on David Moyes’ 10th anniversary as Everton manager. Steven Gerrard enjoyed scoring against Liverpool biggest rivals Manchester United and Everton. Gerrard scored nine times against Manchester United and the Reds fans will remember him kissing the camera at Old Trafford.
Alex Ferguson : “He has become the most influential player in England, bar none. Not that Vieira lacks anything, but Gerrard does more.”
History will remember Steven Gerrard as Liverpool’s greatest player. A kid who lived out his childhood dreams and made us all a part of it. The harsh reality is Liverpool failed a great player and man like Steven Gerrard. For one last time, Steven Gerrard will wear the famous number 8 shirt and the captain’s armband against Stoke City. But there won’t be a day without his name being sung at the famous Kop end. As for now till the end of the season, Liverpool fans can celebrate the beautiful career of their leader. As Gerrard once said, “Me and Liverpool Football Club are a love affair that will never, ever end.” Thank you, Steven Gerrard.
Brendan Rodgers on Gerrard leaving the club : “This is an era where the word ‘legend’ is vastly overused, but in his case it actually doesn’t do him justice.”
Image Courtesy: Liverpoolfc.com, Dailymail, Telegraph