Gerrard: Leaving Liverpool is hardest decision I’ve ever had to make

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard insisted today that the decision to quit the club after 25 years was the “toughest of his life”. But confirming he is leaving Anfield at the end of the season, the 34-year-old said he hoped to return to the club in the future. While planning to continue his career overseas, he made clear it would be with a team that would not bring him into direct competition with Liverpool, which he said was “something I could never contemplate”.

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. I am making the announcement now so that the manager and the team are not distracted by stories or speculation about my future.

Steven Gerrard

Gerrard’s future at Anfield has been the subject of speculation for several months. The 34-year-old, who scored two penalties in Thursday’s 2-2 home draw against Leicester, is said to be in talks with Major League Soccer franchise LA Galaxy and the two New York clubs - City and Red Bulls. Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers said: “It is almost an impossible task to find the words to appropriately sum up Steven Gerrard and his importance to Liverpool. This is an era where the word ‘legend’ is vastly overused, but in his case it actually doesn’t do him justice.”

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.

Steven Gerrard

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