Steven Gerrard penned an evocative open letter to Liverpool’s fans

Liverpool Football Club has been such a massive part of my life since I was eight years old and I know how much I’m going to miss it. It’s been an emotional time for my family and I with my final game at Anfield against Crystal Palace and then my last appearance away to Stoke City. But I’ve been blown away by the send-off I’ve been given by the supporters and I’d like to thank every one of you. It’s been very humbling and it’s something I’ll cherish for the rest of my life. It’s been an absolute privilege to represent this football club for so long. Of course the pinnacle of my career arrived in Istanbul 10 years ago. That was the best night of my life. When I lifted the European Cup, there was no prouder man on the planet. It meant so much to me to deliver that trophy for you.

The supporters played such a big part in helping to inspire that famous comeback against AC Milan. I’ll never forget how they helped to lift our chins off the floor after that nightmare first half.

I’m proud of what I’ve given back – the sacrifices, the dedication and the loyalty over the years. But more than anything I feel incredibly lucky to have had the opportunity to play in front of these fans for so long. I want to keep playing every week in the final few years of my career and I’m looking forward to embarking on a new challenge with Los Angeles Galaxy in the MLS.