Steven Gerrard Announces Retirement From Football; Rejected This English Club For Management Role

Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has finally closed curtains on a glittering career. The English midfielder had just left the LA Galaxy after 18 months and after spending some time deciding on his future, Gerrard has hung up his boots.

The 36-year-old had a 19-year career and spent the majority of it representing the Premier League giants. His greatest achievement was lifting the UEFA Champions League title in 2005 after an incredible victory over AC Milan but the Premier League title eluded his cabinet.

The English midfielder was known for his dynamic runs, range of passing and an eye for goal and the former Liverpool captain was often considered to be one of the best to have played for England too.

Gerrard did represent the national side 114 times, which made him the fourth highest capped player, but yet again, silverware was not on the cards for the talented midfielder.

Speaking about his decision to retire, Gerrard was quoted by the BBC as saying:

“I feel lucky to have experienced so many wonderful highlights over the course of my career.

“I have had an incredible career and am thankful for each and every moment of my time at Liverpool, England and LA Galaxy.

“I fulfilled my childhood dream by pulling on the famous red shirt of Liverpool.”

A coaching role for Gerrard in the future

This decision does clear up the way for Gerrard to join a club in a coaching role. While Brendan Rodgers and Celtic were linked with a playing role for the Liverpool man, the Red could still end up at Celtic Park.

Jurgen Klopp has previously spoken that Gerrard will more than welcome to take up a role at Anfield too but one club did make a move before any of the others. MK Dons were linked with a surprising move for the Englishman as they were looking for a new manager.

The club were lying in the relegation zone in League One and were in dire need of some energy in the side. Unfortunately, things did not work out for the pair and Gerrard did open up about his decision not to join the Dons.

“I spoke to them [MK Dons]. I had a chat with the chairman, I think it’s a very exciting job for someone else,” Gerrard told BT Sport.

“But it’s a bit soon for me, but it is true I did speak to them yes.”

No medals at the Galaxy for the Liverpool legend

Gerrard didn’t win the MLS either with the Galaxy and the lack of a league title could have seen him join Celtic but the Englishman did state that he did have a great time in Los Angeles.

“It was very enjoyable,” Gerrard said. “Unfortunately we never won the MLS this season. We got to the semifinals and got knocked out on penalties, so slightly disappointed with how it finished, but it was still very enjoyable.

“I’m taking a bit of time to consider what’s next. Exciting times moving forward.”

Looking back at the decision not to join the Dons, it does make sense. Gerrard doesn’t have the experience of managing a club and throwing him into the deep end wouldn’t work out for club and player.

Taking up an apprentice role under either Klopp or Rodgers would serve him well and it will be interesting where he does go at the end of it all.