Internet Desk: The former England and Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has announced his retirement from professional football, ending his 19-year long playing career. The 36-year-old, who left LA Galaxy earlier this month, had been linked with the managerial vacancy at MK Dons but said on Wednesday that the opportunity to move into management had come “a bit too soon” for him.
“Following recent media speculation surrounding my future I can confirm my retirement from playing professional football,” Gerrard confirmed in a statement on Thursday. “I have had an incredible career and am thankful for each and every moment of my time at Liverpool, England and LA Galaxy”.
Gerrard also said in the statement, “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,” He continued saying, “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 honors back to Anfield, none more so than that famous night in Istanbul”.
Gerrard made 710 appearances for Liverpool, winning eight major trophies, including the Champions League in 2005, before joining MLS side LA Galaxy in 2015. Gerrard, England’s fourth most-capped player, represented his country on 114 occasions and captained England at three major tournaments. At club level, Gerrard lifted the FA Cup on two occasions as well as starring in Liverpool’s penalty shoot-out Champions League victory against Milan in Istanbul.