Steven Gerrard Hailed By Friends, Foes After Announcing Liverpool Exit

Steven Gerrard could spend the rest of the 2014-15 season bathing in tributes if he wanted.

Gerrard, 34, announced Friday that he’ll leave Liverpool when his contract expires after this season. Gerrard’s teammates, both current and former, led the chorus of praise, which also includes his coaches, opponents and some of Liverpool’s other all-time greats.

Gerrard hasn’t decided on his next move. He’ll end his career outside of England — perhaps in Major League Soccer. He could return to Liverpool in a non-playing capacity in the future.

Whatever Gerrrard chooses to do, it’s safe to say he’ll retain the support of Liverpool players, coaches and fans around the world. After all, he is the longest-serving captain in Liverpool history.

Below is just a sample of the praise Gerrard has received from around the soccer world:

Current teammates
Jordan Henderson likely will succeed Gerrard as Liverpool’s skipper. Henderson, LFC’s current vice-captain, spoke to Liverpool’s website about Gerrard, while Lucas Leiva, Suso and Jose Enrique shared their thoughts on Instagram.

[tweet https://twitter.com/LFC/status/551052112738934785 align=’center’%5D

His talent is evident on a weekly basis but I have had the absolute privilege of working with him day in, day out, for almost 8 years. An incredible human; a real leader and a great man, who has always maintained his immaculate work ethic. Steven, I am sure that your next challenge will be successful, as you are one of the biggest and best ever.

A photo posted by Lucas Leiva (@leivalucas) on Jan 1, 2015 at 6:51am PST

So proud and happy to play with SG8 two seasons. I wish him good luck in his new adventure but as I liverpool fan that I am ill always follow him and admire him. Everyone can try to describe him... But the nicest words are the ones we can't describe ... And him it's indescribable ... GOOD LUCK. ##### Muy contento de haber jugado dos temporadas con SG8 Un jugador de los que ya no quedan ni se hacen. Un ejemplo para todos dentro y fuera del campo,un capitÃ¡n. Por eso todos lo vemos como un ejemplo... Mucha suerte en tu nueva aventura. Siempre RED...

A photo posted by Suso (@30susofernandez) on Jan 1, 2015 at 10:40am PST

It's been an absolute pleasure to work with one of the best players in the world. It's going to be very sad to see stevie leave LFC after all this time. @stevengerrard

A photo posted by Jose Enrique (@jesanchez3) on Jan 1, 2015 at 9:49am PST

Managers
Gerrard captained Liverpool during the managerial tenures of Gerrard Houllier, Rafa Benitez and Kenny Dalglish. The trio of former managers echoed the sentiments of current boss Brendan Rodgers.

[tweet https://twitter.com/LFC/status/550977863160434688 align=’center’]

[tweet https://twitter.com/CarinaAnders/status/551087383673069568 align=’center’%5D

[tweet https://twitter.com/rafabenitezweb/status/551084122505216001 align=’center’%5D

[tweet https://twitter.com/LFC/status/551058271743008768 align=’center’%5D

Former teammates
Gerrard played alongside legendary teammates from home and abroad. A host of Gerrard’s former comrades hailed the impact he had on their careers.

[tweet https://twitter.com/Carra23/status/550781396198109184 align=’center’]

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[tweet https://twitter.com/DietmarHamann/status/550887351442886659 align=’center’]

[tweet https://twitter.com/themichaelowen/status/550962825049669634 align=’center’]

[tweet https://twitter.com/XabiAlonso/status/551001942626160643 align=’center’]

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[tweet https://twitter.com/Ryanbabel/status/550979734591791104 align=’center’]

[tweet https://twitter.com/DanielAgger/status/551045593934868480 align=’center’]

Pundits
Leading pundits also are weighing in on Gerrard’s decision. Whether they played against Gerrard or watched him from the studio, they agree on his status as a Premier League legend.

[tweet https://twitter.com/RobbieSavage8/status/550958533127471104 align=’center’]

[tweet https://twitter.com/GaryLineker/status/550778661256044544 align=’center’]

Great Reds
Liverpool’s history is filled with top players. The Reds might not have won as much during Gerrard’s time as they did in the previous eras, but no one will deny that he is perhaps the greatest player to ever play for Liverpool.

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Gerrard will play on for Liverpool through May, and many others will sing his praises during what surely will become his epic farewell tour.