Former players, staff, fans and pundits have been out in full force in recognition of Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, who yesterday confirmed his retirement with a statement which included the following:
“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… 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. 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.”
At Jurgen Klopp’s press conference there was always going to be one main topic of conversation coming hours after Gerrard’s announcement, and when asked the German told the media:
“It is nice having him around. It is good to hear he is back in town. All the rest we will see. This is not the room to speak about it. When something is announced then we will talk. It is clear that one day in the future there will something to announce, that is pretty sure too, but until then there is nothing to say… The door is always open for him. But from our side, if he wants, there is an open door. If he wants to make a different career to his former career then we want to help him. There is nothing else to say – but maybe that is already too much.”
The latest rumours suggest that Gerrard may return to the club to take up a coaching role within the Academy, but nothing has yet been confirmed by either the player or the club.
19-year-old defender Joe Gomez has returned to action after 13 months out as he played a full 90 minutes against Burnley in the Lancashire Senior Cup for Liverpool under 23s. The former Charlton man was involved as he set up the third goal for his side in a comprehensive 4-0 win.
Now, the young central defender will be working to fight his way back onto the first team scene under Jurgen Klopp, having been unavailable since his arrival at the club.
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