It’s the day all Liverpool fans have been dreading — Steven Gerrard, one of the finest players of the Premier League era, will be leaving the club on a free transfer. The news was confirmed after Liverpool released an official statement on the club’s website. It draws to a close his 26-year association with his boyhood club, though there is very little doubt the club will reserve a role for him when he hangs up his boots. In the statement, Gerrard made it clear he will continue playing elsewhere, though he cannot confirm at which club. A move to the LA Galaxy seems most likely, where he will fill the void — and Designated Player slots — left by David Beckham and Landon Donovan. What he made clear, however, is that he will not contemplate playing at a club where he could potentially line up against Liverpool.
Here’s Gerrard’s full statement:
“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. “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. “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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