Gerrard Quits Liverpool

 

The Reds captain has announced his decision to leave Anfield and admitted that he agonised over the move. Steven Gerrard has confirmed he will leave Liverpool when his contract expires in June. The Reds captain, who made his debut in 1998, has been heavily linked with a move to Major League Soccer in the United States, specifically LA Galaxy.

Gerrard was offered a new contract to stay at Anfield in December, with Brendan Rodgers expressing his hope that the 34-year-old would commit his future to the club, but he will instead look to finish his career away from the Premier League.

"This has been the toughest decision of my life and one which both me and my family have agonised over for a good deal of time," Gerrard said. Continue reading after the cut....

"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."

Gerrard was full of praise for Rodgers despite the former Swansea boss restricting him to fewer appearances this season.

"I can't thank Brendan, the owners and everyone at the club enough for how they've handled this and I am leaving on great terms," he added. "Also, I would like to thank my team-mates and all the staff for their help and continued support.

"It is a very special place to be part of. It is my sincere hope and wish that one day I can return to serve Liverpool again, in whatever capacity best helps the club.

"One point that is important to make is that from now until the last kick of the last game of the season, I will be as fully committed to the team as I ever have been and giving everything I have to help Liverpool win games.

"My final message is for the people who make Liverpool football club the greatest in the world - the supporters.

"It has been a privilege to represent you, as a player and as captain. I have cherished every second of it and it is my sincere wish to finish this season and my Liverpool career on a high."

Rodgers did not hold back in his praise for a player who made his Reds bow over 16 years ago.

"This is an era where 'legend' is vastly overused, but in his case it actually doesn't do him justice," Rodgers said. "As a leader and as a man, he is probably incomparable to anyone I have ever worked with."

Gerrard captained the club to Champions League glory in 2005, and he has also won two FA Cups, two League Cups, one UEFA Cup and two UEFA Super Cups. The one prize that has eluded him remains the Premier League.

But, despite his bulging trophy cabinet, Gerrard has had to cope with a withdrawn role this season, with Rodgers often opting to bench the veteran in favour of rotating his options. One such occasion came in the Champions League clash with Real Madrid, leading to reports that Gerrard was considering his future.

In total, he has made 26 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring seven goals.

Culled From: Goal