Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard announced his retirement from professional football on Thursday, prompting considerable praise.
Gerrard left MLS franchise LA Galaxy earlier in November, and subsequently moved to confirm that would be his last playing role in a statement on Thursday morning.
“I am excited about the future and feel I still have a lot to offer the game, in whatever capacity that may be,” he said.
“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.”
The midfielder’s playing career spanned 19 years, with 17 of those spent in the Liverpool first team and 12 years as captain of his boyhood club, and his heroics for the Reds have warranted widespread appreciation on his retirement.
Here’s the best from social media, as supporters react to Gerrard’s announcement.
The greatest servant in the history of Liverpool Football Club. #LFC pic.twitter.com/yFXEN91lwn
— Stephen McGarty (@stephenmcgarty) November 24, 2016
#ThankyouStevie pic.twitter.com/G3zcMPSLPy
— SimonBrundish (@SimonBrundish) November 24, 2016
My fav player. What a fantastic role model & inspiration to young kids. A true legend that will be celebrated for generations to come ????? https://t.co/x4FKhalv3Y
— Michael Beale (@MichaelBeale) November 24, 2016
#LFC and @England legend Steven Gerrard retires. The word 'legend' is used too freely these days, but is truly warranted in his case #YNWA
— Alex Miller (@alexmiller73) November 24, 2016
https://twitter.com/em_sandy/status/801746124151328768
Stevie G.. One of Liverpool's best ever players. Nothing he couldn't do on the pitch,Magnificent career. Great guy to go with it ??
— John Hartson (@JohnHartson10) November 24, 2016
https://twitter.com/Chris78Williams/status/801750462861078528
Steven Gerrard THANK YOU. YNWA
— Phil Thompson (@Phil_Thompson4) November 24, 2016
Gerrard's the best player I saw for Liverpool. Always felt anything was possible with him on the field. Carried us for so long. Sad moment.
— Red (@TaintlessRed) November 24, 2016
The end for Steven Gerrard. What a player. #LFC
— Andy Kelly (@AndyK_LivNews) November 24, 2016
It's been an honor to play alongside you amigo!! Always an example on and off the pitch!great moments together!THANKS FOR EVERYTHING LEGEND! pic.twitter.com/DjFNMKL38K
— Pepe Reina (@PReina25) November 24, 2016
Y.N.W.A pic.twitter.com/9GRZOgLjkD
— Daniel Agger (@DanielAgger) November 24, 2016
We started at Liverpool together at 11. He was brilliant then. He went on to be world class. Liverpool's greatest player. Congrats Stevie G.
— Michael Owen (@themichaelowen) November 24, 2016
The best there is, the best there was, the best there ever will be #LFChttps://t.co/B3v7sdCDde
— Sam Williams (@SamWilIiams) November 24, 2016
Steve Gerrard: a man who surpassed his boyhood dreams with the team he idolised. A big player for the big moment ? #LFC pic.twitter.com/HYO6uGCh0i
— Ben Smith (@BSmith) November 24, 2016
Steven Gerrard ???
— Grzegorz Krychowiak (@GrzegKrychowiak) November 24, 2016
Was an honour to watch Steven Gerrard's career unfold. He leaves behind so many memories that will never fade. His legend will only grow.
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceLFC) November 24, 2016
He lived my dream and gave me some of the best moments of my life. Our best ever. Thank you Stevie! #LFC #ThankyouStevie #Gerrard pic.twitter.com/vv3CE4W1Xy
— Jamie Holme (@JamieHolme) November 24, 2016
He gave me some of the best nights of my life. Olympiakos, Inter, Istanbul.
The best. pic.twitter.com/YHMZfkXFvM
— Paul Senior ? (@PaulSenior1) November 24, 2016
Single-handedly carried Liverpool for years, one of the reasons why LFC signed class players too. Who knows where we'd be if he left early
— Dinesh Kumar (@DHardayal) November 24, 2016
— Sam McGuire (@SamMcGuire90) November 24, 2016
We lived dizzying highs and heartbreaking lows, together. It was an honour to watch Steven Gerrard play football. pic.twitter.com/CLF1o70O6B
— Aaron Cutler (@aaron_cutler) November 24, 2016
https://twitter.com/paulphilbin/status/801746125149655040
Steven Gerrard #LFC:
Champions League: ?
UEFA Cup: ?
UEFA Super Cup: ?
FA Cup: ??
League Cup: ???
Community Shield: ? pic.twitter.com/q0tfTwmr3p— Professional Footballers’ Association (@PFA) November 24, 2016
Not a bad playing career was it mate? Now what next……… pic.twitter.com/95ctq60z0P
— The Anfield Wrap (@TheAnfieldWrap) November 24, 2016
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