Gerrard calls an end to his illustrious playing career

Steven Gerrard has called time on his illustrious playing days after realising he could no longer produce the moments of magic which defined his Liverpool and England career.

The 36-year-old is now set to embark on his next chapter – most likely coaching.

Gerrard’s playing career effectively ended when his contract with the Los Angeles Galaxy expired.

“The body starts talking to you, the pains and the aches get more regular, the way you feel out there on the pitch changes,” he said. “Over the last couple of years I’ve felt myself slowing down a little bit. I basically can’t deliver what I used to be able to deliver and that becomes a little bit frustrating as time goes on.

“I’ve listened to people over the years. Important people in the game who I trust and have a lot of respect for, have said to me ‘Always go with a tiny bit left, never overstay your welcome and play on too long where it becomes embarrassing’.

“I can feel that’s not too far away, so now’s the right time.”

0 Steven Gerrard, who has announced his retirement, lifts the Champions League trophy following Liverpool’s 2005 triumph.

Asked whether his future lay in coaching or punditry, he added: “I think I’d like to do a bit of both.

“In the future I definitely have dreams and aspirations of having a go at management or assisting the manager and being back involved in the dressing room but I’ve got many, many years to do that.”

The most obvious route for Gerrard to pursue his coaching ambitions, having already taken some of his badges, would be at Liverpool where he spent virtually all his 18-year career.

And while manager Jurgen Klopp has reiterated his openness to Gerrard returning to Anfield, it is unlikely he would find himself fast-tracked into first-team duties, with a role at the academy a more feasible option should he be interested.

“It is clear that one day in the future there will something to announce but until then there is nothing to say,” said Klopp when asked whether there had been any discussions about offering Gerrard a job. “The door is always open for him. If he wants to make a different career then we want to help him.”

Gerrard made 710 appearances for Liverpool, scoring 186 goals, captaining them to their incredible comeback victory in the 2005 Champions League final where they recovered from 3-0 down at half-time to beat AC Milan on penalties.

He also won two FA Cups, three League Cups, the Uefa Cup and the Uefa Super Cup.

Gerrard won 114 England caps, captaining his country at the 2010 and 2014 World Cups.