Liverpool and England legend Steven Gerrard announces retirement

Anthony Pilkington of Norwich and Steven Gerrard of Liverpool in action during the Barclays Premier League match at Anfield, Liverpool. Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd (Image: ©Focus Images Limitedinfo@focus-images.co.uk+44814 482222)

The 36-year-old left the Los Angeles Galaxy earlier this month after a distinguished career with Liverpool and England.

Gerrard said in a statement: 'Following recent media speculation surrounding my future I can confirm my retirement from playing professional football.

'I have had an incredible career and am thankful for each and every moment of my time at Liverpool, England and LA Galaxy.

Steven Gerrard of Liverpool during the Barclays Premier League match at Anfield, Liverpool. Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd. (Image: ©Focus Images Limitedinfo@focus-images.co.uk+44814 482222)

'As a teenager I fulfilled my childhood dream by pulling on the famous red shirt of Liverpool, and when I made my debut against Blackburn Rovers in November 1998 I could never have imagined what would then follow over the next 18 years.'

Gerrard made 710 appearances for the Reds, scoring 186 goals.

He skippered Liverpool to their incredible comeback victory in the 2005 Champions League final, where they trailed 3-0 to AC Milan in Istanbul at half-time before pulling back to 3-3 in the second period and winning the match on penalties.

Elliott Bennett of Norwich and Steven Gerrard of Liverpool in action during the Barclays Premier League match at Anfield, Liverpool. Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd. 22/10/11 (Image: ©Focus Images Limitedinfo@focus-images.co.uk+44814 482222)

Gerrard also won two FA Cups, three League Cups, the UEFA Cup and the UEFA Super Cup. He won 114 England caps, captaining his country at the 2010 and 2014 World Cups.

Gerrard added in his statement: 'I feel lucky to have experienced so many wonderful highlights over the course of my career. I am proud to have played over 700 games for Liverpool, many of which as captain, and to have played my part in helping the club to bring major honours back to Anfield, none more so than that famous night in Istanbul.

'At international level, I feel privileged to have won 114 England caps and to have had the honour of captaining my country. I will always look back with great pride at every time I pulled on the England shirt.

Norwich Manager Paul Lambert shakes hands with Liverpool's Steven Gerrard at the end of the Barclays Premier League match at Anfield, Liverpool. Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd. (Image: ©Focus Images Limitedinfo@focus-images.co.uk+44814 482222)

'I feel very fortunate to have had the career I've had, but none of it would have been possible without the support of so many people.

'Firstly, I would like to thank everyone at Liverpool Football Club. I am proud to have played for and captained Liverpool for so many years and to have achieved what we achieved during my time at the club.'

Andrew Surman of Norwich and Steven Gerrard of Liverpool in action during the Barclays Premier League match at Carrow Road, Norwich. Picture: Picture by Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd 29/09/2012 (Image: ©Focus Images Limitedwww.focus-images.co.uk+447814 482222)

Steven Gerrard of Liverpool is not happy with Referee Michael Jones after he denied Liverpool a penalty after Luis Su!rez of Liverpool had been fouled by Leon Barnett of Norwich during the Barclays Premier League match at Carrow Road, Norwich. Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd 29/09/2012 (Image: ©Focus Images Limitedwww.focus-images.co.uk+447814 482222)

Javier Garrido of Norwich and Steven Gerrard of Liverpool in action during the Barclays Premier League match at Carrow Road, Norwich. Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd 29/09/2012 (Image: ©Focus Images Limitedwww.focus-images.co.uk+447814 482222)

If only......Steven Gerrard of Liverpool in a Norwich shirt (Jonny Howson's) applauding the fans at the end of the Barclays Premier League match at Carrow Road, Norwich. Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd 29/09/2012 (Image: ©Focus Images Limitedwww.focus-images.co.uk+447814 482222)

Action from the Barclays premiership match between Norwich City and Liverpool 2005.Steven Gerrard and Mattias Jonson Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2004)

Action from the Barclays premiership match between Norwich City and Liverpool 2005. David Bentley and Steven Gerrard.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2004)