News that Steven Gerrard is to leave Liverpool at the end of the season has sparked a huge response from the world of football.
Managers, team-mates, rivals and pundits have all had their say on the Liverpool captain’s decision to end his 17-year career for the Reds.
Here’s a selection of the reaction to his announcement…
Jamie Carragher, former team-mate and Sky Sports pundit
It was Stevie’s decision, but could the club have maybe done a little bit more? Maybe spoken about a coaching role in the future to try to entice him to stay?
No one should have a job at a club for life just because of what they have done as a player. But to lose that experience at the club which could be passed on to the youngsters and academy players, from the club’s and supporters’ point of view I would have liked to have seen him stay in some capacity.
Brendan Rodgers, Liverpool manager
This is an era where the word 'legend' is vastly overused, but in his case it actually doesn't do him justice. At times he has carried this club on his back and in my time here he has always shown the ability that has rightly seen him be regarded as one of the world's best for well over a decade.
Jamie Redknapp, former team-mate and Sky Sports pundit
I’ve lost count of how many people at Liverpool have said to me ‘we’ve got the next Steven Gerrard coming through’. I’m still waiting. I’ve not seen anyone who could come anywhere near him. To go and find the next Gerrard is virtually impossible. He has been the mainstay, the one player that no matter what happened has always performed at such a high level.
Rafael Benitez, former Liverpool manager
Stevie was a key player for us and one of the best players, if not the best player. He was always amazing on the pitch, he was always passionate. I asked him what he could give the team when I first came to the club and he replied simply, ‘passion’. He was a leader, a captain and someone that was always an example on the pitch. He was somebody everybody had to follow. He had the ambition to be the best midfielder in the world and he always wanted to improve.
Mario Balotelli, team-mate
I think of him as being at the same level as Pirlo. Vision, technique but he is powerful as well. Stevie can do anything, he’s an amazing player.
Gerard Houllier, former Liverpool manager
He was outstanding for Liverpool in terms of technique and power. You also need to remember the leader he was at the club. He devoted his time and energy for the job and that's why he was world class. He made a lot of sacrifices. He had talent but he worked very hard. I wouldn't be surprised if he one day returned to Anfield as boss.
Jordan Henderson, team-mate
He is a top player but he is also a top person. That is massive as a captain. With the aura that he has got, he could be a different person but he is very humble.
Graeme Souness, Sky Sports pundit
Like most people, I thought he’d see his days out at Liverpool. But whatever decision he’s made, whether it’s America or anywhere else, I think all Liverpool supporters will respect that, given the service he’s given to the club. When I talk about ‘worldies’ I mean someone who can go anywhere and get into any given team at any time. For a good 7-10 years he’s been that sort of player.
Daniel Sturridge, team-mate
Stevie will always be a legend – not just for Liverpool but to England as well. He will go down in history as one of the best midfielders in the game. He’s just unbelievable every day, a great leader and the perfect example for every young player around the country.
Phil Thompson, Sky Sports pundit
He’s the last of a dying breed for my football club. That will be a massive hole to fill. Him not being at training every day, in that dressing room before a game, at my football club we need star quality. The club has a massive loss to deal with.
John Henry and Tom Werner, Liverpool owner and chairman
This news stirs many strong emotions for all of us connected with the club. There is sadness that such a great player and person is leaving and won't be playing for Liverpool beyond this season.But there is also a sense of celebration and gratitude, that we've all been privileged to watch and work with one of the true greats, not just of this club, but the game in general.
Chris Kamara, Sky Sports pundit
He obviously feels the years are clocking up, but why can’t he retire at Liverpool? Kenny Dalglish went on to be a player-manager at the football club and had even more success, then was manager when they called him back again. Ryan Giggs at Manchester United – he’s finished his playing career and he’s now on the coaching staff.
It would be nice to see Gerrard still involved at the football club and be a part of what it’s all about.