Steven Gerrard to leave Liverpool FC after ‘toughest decision’ of his life
Steven Gerrard today confirmed he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season and admitted: “This has been the toughest decision of my life.”
The long-serving skipper will bring the curtain down on his glittering Reds career when his contract expires in the summer.
Gerrard, who is expected to play Major League Soccer in America, says he has yet to decide on his next destination but insists he “could never contemplate” playing for a team who could face his boyhood club.
“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,” he said.
“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.
“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. Also, I would like to thank my teammates and all the staff for their help and continued support.
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Steven Gerrard
Steven Gerrard to leave Liverpool FC after ‘toughest decision’ of his life
Jan 02, 2015 09:19
By James Pearce
Reds skipper Gerrard will move on from Anfield when his contract expires in the summer
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A dejected Steven Gerrard applauds the Liverpool supporters following the final game of the season
Steven Gerrard applauds the Liverpool fans
Steven Gerrard today confirmed he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season and admitted: “This has been the toughest decision of my life.”
The long-serving skipper will bring the curtain down on his glittering Reds career when his contract expires in the summer.
Gerrard, who is expected to play Major League Soccer in America, says he has yet to decide on his next destination but insists he “could never contemplate” playing for a team who could face his boyhood club.
“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,” he said.
Steven Gerrard’s LFC career in pictures:
Steven Gerrard on his Reds debut VIEW GALLERY
“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.
“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. Also, I would like to thank my teammates and all the staff for their help and continued support.
More pictures of Gerrard at LFC:
VIEW GALLERY
“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.”
Gerrard’s contract is up at the end of the season and he is entitled to sign a pre-contract agreement with any non-UK club from today.
The news brings to an end more than 25 years at the club for the Huyton-born star.
Gerrard first pulled on his boots for the Reds after being spotted by a Liverpool scout while playing for Whiston Juniors.
In September 2003, he was made captain by Gerard Houllier.
He has gone on to make 695 appearances and has scored 180 goals.
Gerrard famously inspired Liverpool’s miraculous fightback against AC Milan in the 2005 Champions League final in Istanbul.
He was the only player to have scored in a League Cup, FA Cup, UEFA cup and Champions League final.
He also went to captain the England side in 2010 retiring after the World Cup last year and racked up 114 caps.
His greatest moments also include scoring a hat-trick under LFC icon Kenny Dalglish’s management against Everton in 2012 to ensure David Moyes’ endured a 10th anniversary as Everton manager he would rather have forgotten.
If as expected Gerrard decides to move to America with wife Alex and his three young daughters, he will follow in the footsteps of other
Premier League stars including David Beckham, Thierry Henry and ex-Liverpool team mate Robbie Keane.
Posted by Minority Voice
on Jan 2 2015. Filed under En Direct, Featured, Sports.
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