INQUISITR.COM / Sports

Liverpool Legend Steven Gerrard Leaves Anfield Pitch For The Last Time

By Joe Chivers
Published on: 06:41 PST, May 17, 2015

Steven Gerrard, Liverpool FC’s legendary captain, has bid farewell to the club. Gerrard’s final match was yesterday’s 3-1 defeat to Crystal Palace, and now he’s off to join LA Galaxy on an 18-month contract. Playing for Liverpool for 17 years, the 34-year-old Gerrard has been through highs and lows with the club and the national team.

Gerrard scored the second goal to put England ahead in their legendary 5-1 victory against Germany in 2001, probably the highest point for the England team in recent years. The Guardian has listed some of Steven’s other greatest moments, and they’re truly the stuff legends are made of. From saving Liverpool from the clutches of defeat against Olympiakos in 2004, to smashing Real Madrid 4-0 in 2009, Gerrard has a lot to be proud of. He won the FA Cup with Liverpool in 2001 and 2006, scoring twice in the latter’s final. Gerrard helped the club win three League Cups, in 2001, 2003, and 2012, and he’s helped the club conquer Europe twice. As recently as a week ago, he proved his worth yet again, securing a draw for Liverpool against Chelsea.

It’s no surprise then that Gerrard’s send-off was nothing short of spectacular.

Both teams came together to give Steven Gerrard a guard of honor as he walked on to the pitch accompanied by his wife and three daughters. Fans created a huge display of colored placards, bearing the tribute “SG 8”, referring to his initials and shirt number.

In his farewell address after the game, Steven called Liverpool fans the best in the world and was met with thunderous applause from the crowd.

Speaking to BBC Sport after the match, Gerrard described the farewell as “incredible,” and said that he’s proud of every year he’s been at the club.

“It was very emotional. An unbelievable send-off,” going on to say “it’s a day I’ve been dreading, because I will miss it so much.”

Tributes have also been pouring in from fellow players across social media. Daniel Sturridge, who is currently out with an injury, lamented that he was not there with Gerrard for the final game and called Gerrard the best player Liverpool has ever had.

Thierry Henry, who played against Gerrard many times across the years while he was weaving magic at Arsenal, wanted to say a few words for Stevie G.

Joey Barton, QPR striker who played with Liverpool’s youth team when he was 14, said Gerrard’s incredible send-off was “thoroughly deserved.”

While speaking to BBC Sport, Gerrard refused to rule out returning to his old club entirely, but said that it was doubtful.

“The only way I’d ever come back would be an emergency situation, but I hope I’m not needed come the winter.”

Steven Gerrard was well and truly a Liverpool and England legend. He’ll never be forgotten at the Kop or at Wembley.

[Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images]

Share this article: Liverpool Legend Steven Gerrard Leaves Anfield Pitch For The Last Time
liverpool
More from Inquisitr