After a fantastic 16 year playing career, Steven Gerrard is finally taking the decision to leave his boyhood club at the end of the season.
The announcement came last night when Liverpool claimed that their captain would be departing the club although Gerrard himself released a statement saying that he would not want to play against the club that he dedicated 26 years of his life to.
LA Galaxy are rumoured to be interested in the Scouse captain but no final decision has been taken on who his next club will be.
Gerrard has said that he wants to return to Liverpool one day and take a role “in whatever capacity best helps the 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,” said Gerrard.
“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.”
Gerrard was offered a new deal in November but has decided to reject it.
“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,” said Gerrard.
“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 team-mates and all the staff for their help and continued support; 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.”
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Written by Connor Breen
@Connor_breen12
