Former England and Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard has announced his retirement from football after a distinguished 19 year career that established him as one of the best midfielders of all time.
Gerrard captained Liverpool, his boyhood club, to Champions League glory in 2005 in arguably the biggest sporting comeback in history, when they came from 3-0 down to beat A.C Milan. He also represented his country 104 times and is the fourth most capped English player in history.
Gerrard, who had been playing in the United States for the past few years since leaving Liverpool, announced the decision in a statement released Thursday.
“Following recent media speculation surrounding my future I can confirm my retirement from playing professional football,” Gerrard confirmed in a statement. “I have had an incredible career and am thankful for each and every moment of my time at Liverpool, England and LA Galaxy.”
Gerrard made 710 appearances for Liverpool, scoring 186 goals and winning eight major trophies, including the Champions League in 2005 and two FA Cup triumphs.