Steven Gerrard announces retirement from professional football

Former Liverpool and England captain Steven Gerrard has announced his retirement from professional football. The 36-year-old revealed this month he would not remain at Major League Soccer franchise LA Galaxy beyond the expiry of his contract at the end of the 2016 season. The midfielder, who swapped Anfield for the StubHub Center in 2015, has been linked with a variety of clubs and management roles since the news of his impending departure from the United States. And the Champions League and FA Cup winner has now confirmed he will not seek another playing role.

I have had an incredible career and am thankful for each and every moment of my time at Liverpool, England and LA Galaxy.

Steven Gerrard

“Following recent media speculation surrounding my future I can confirm my retirement from playing professional football,” he said in a widely circulated 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 featured in the Reds’ memorable treble of League Cup, FA Cup and UEFA Cup in 2000-01, winning the League Cup again in 2002-03 and then replacing Sami Hyypia as the club’s captain in October 2003. Gerrard will be fondly remembered for his role in guiding Liverpool to the final of the Champions League against AC Milan in 2005, helping to orchestrate a remarkable comeback from 3-0 down at half-time to draw 3-3 and then win on penalties.

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