Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard confirmed that this will be his final season with the club.
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There were reports on New Year’s Day that Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard had decided this would be his last season with his boyhood club. There are reports that he is not retiring, but considering moving on and possibly playing in Major League Soccer in the United States.
Gerrard confirmed the reports by commenting on the decision in an effort to remove any distractions from the club,
“This has been the toughest decision of my life and one which both me and my family have agonized over for a good deal of time,” Gerrard said in a statement on the club’s website.
“I am making the announcement now so that the manager and the team are not distracted by stories or speculation about my future.”
Gerrard grew up in the shadow of the club, which he supported as a kid and grew up in their system. He talked about the difficulty of leaving the club.
“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,” Gerrard said.
Gerrard didn’t confirm the links to Major League soccer though, leaving his future and where he would play up in the air, but it looks like the decision in part is because he believes he isn’t playing to his standard at the highest levels of European competition. That is something American fans could look at as a slight hint that MLS is definitely on his radar.
“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.”
Gerrard went on to say his thanks to the club over the way they’ve handled the news and this situation.
“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,” Gerrard said.
“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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