Former England captain Steven Gerrard has confirmed his retirement from professional football.
The 36-year-old former Liverpool star announced last week that he would be leaving LA Galaxy after almost two years across the Atlantic, and has now decided to hang up his boots for good.
Gerrard said: “I can confirm my retirement from playing professional football.
Factfile
England caps: 114
Caps as skipper: 38
England goals:21
Major tournaments played in: 6
“At an 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.
“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.
“Thank you to the amazing fans of Liverpool, England and LA Galaxy for the incredible backing you have given me throughout my career. Your loyalty and support has meant the world.
“I am excited about the future and feel I still have a lot to offer the game, in whatever capacity that may be.
“I am currently taking my time to consider a number of options and will make an announcement with regards to the next stage of my career very soon.”
Gerrard won 114 caps for England, 38 of them as captain, netting 21 goals – never finishing on the losing side in a game in which he scored.
He is the fourth most-capped player of all time behind Peter Shilton (125), Wayne Rooney (119) and David Beckham (115). He also represented England at Under-21, U18 and U16 levels.
Gerrard made his international debut it a 2-0 defeat of Ukraine in 2000 and went on to feature in six major tournaments.
He was twice voted England Player of the Year by the supporters in 2007 and in 2012 and in July 2014 announced his international retirement.
