Steven Gerrard has decided to call time at his stint in English football. The legendary Liverpool captain has decided to leave at the end of the season and continue his career most probably in the MLS league in the United States.
The name Steven Gerrard redefines loyalty. There are not many players who could reject playing for Real Madrid twice in their career and turn down Jose Mourinho's Chelsea in 2004-05 as well. He is Liverpool, through and through. In his emotional farewell to the club, he has revealed that he could never dream of playing against Liverpool. That is loyalty you cannot buy.
In a generation of Paul Scholes, Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldinho and Frank Lampard, Gerrard is certainly a player belonging to that category. His passing and vision from a deep lying position in midfield is exquisite and his shots are truly out of this world.
Arguably the greatest player ever to wear the Liverpool colours, his Merseyside career is filled with moments of sheer brilliance.
Whether it was the screamer against Olympiakos in the Champions' league group stag or the pile-driver against Manchester United in 2001, Gerrard's goals had a touch of magic about them.
His best ever performance in a red shirt came when his club needed him the most on the biggest stage, in the Champions league final.
Trailing 3-0 at half time, Gerrard pulled out one of the best performances by a midfielder to score and then ensure that Liverpool won the Champions League on that famous night in Istanbul. The trophy Gerrard lifted that night would be his biggest achievement and by far his best Liverpool moment.
Although Liverpool have been in steady decline since the turn of the century, Gerrard has been their one knight in shining armor. Generations of players have come and left the club, with Gerrard being a sole rock at the center of midfield.
Making his debut in 1998, he has 695 appearances presently with 180 goals to his name. His best season in front of goal was in the 2008-2009 when he linked up with Fernando Torres to score 24 goals and provide 11 assists. The midfield pairing of Xabi Alonso and Gerrard that season in particular was extremely effective, and something the club have till date failed to replicate.
Gerrard was instrumental in Liverpool's title bid last season also as he finished with a league high 13 assists and scoring 13 goals. Ultimately Liverpool finished second, yet Gerrard, along with Suarez and Sturridge, was brilliant throughout the season.
Even though he is a Liverpool icon worldwide, Gerrard has had his fair share of critics, especially in the current campaign. Often substituted for high-profile matches, it does not come as a surprise that he has decided to end his Liverpool career on a high. He would love to leave with a trophy, providing fans another reason to give him the cult status. Although Gerrard has never won the premier league, he has won the FA Cup twice and also tasted Champions league success.
His last game in the red kit would be a sad day, but it surely will be a memorable six months for all the fans of Premier League. Everyone associated with the league will miss the occasional, Stevie G special from 30 yards out.
Farewell Steven Gerrard, You truly will never walk alone.
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