Steven Gerrard Confirms Retirement From Football

Former Liverpool and England captain Steven Gerrard has retired from playing football.

He spent 17 seasons with the Reds, making his debut back in 1998 and played first team football until he left the club in 2015.

During his time at Anfield, he won two FA Cups, three League Cups, one Champions League and much more. On New Years Day 2015 Gerrard announced he'd be leaving Anfield at the end of the 14/15 season to join LA Galaxy.

Stevie G made his international debut for the England in 2000, and represented his country at all major tournaments. Gerrard was named permanent England captain shortly before Euro 2012, and became the sixth player to win 100 caps for England that same summer. He ended his international career in July 2014, with 114 caps.

In an interview with Gary Lineker, the former Liverpool number 8 said he was still weighing up his options but will take up a role as one of the main pundits on BT Sport.

Steven Gerrard has retired. A giant of our game. A Liverpool & England great. Chuffed to do his farewell interview: https://t.co/o9FjfS08d4

— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) November 24, 2016

He released a full statement on Instagram earlier.

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.

I feel very fortunate to have had the career I've had but none of it would have been possible without the support of so many people.

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 for the fantastic support they showed me.

I would like to say a special thank you to Steve Heighway, Dave Shannon and Hugh McAuley for believing in me when I was making my way at Liverpool and for giving me the platform to go on and fulfil my dreams.

Thank you to the amazing fans of Liverpool, England and LA Galaxy for the incredible backing you have given me throughout my career. Your loyalty and support has meant the world.

I would like to thank Struan Marshall, my agent throughout my career, and the team at Wasserman for all of their support over the past 18 years.

I feel lucky to have had such a close group of friends that I have always been able to count and rely on throughout the course of my career. Thank you to all of you.

Finally, the most important thank you; to my family. I cannot thank my Mum, Dad and brother Paul enough for their unconditional support over the years, it has meant everything to me. To my wife Alex and children Lily, Lexie and Lourdes, thank you for the constant love and support you’ve shown me. You’ve been there through the good times and the bad and without you nothing would have been possible. Thank you for everything.

I am excited about the future and feel I still have a lot to offer the game. I am currently taking my time to consider a number of options and will make an announcement with regards to the next stage of my career very soon.