Steven Gerrard ‘Humbled’ By Support, Vows To Fight On For LFC (Photo)

Steven Gerrard knew it’d be a big deal if he ever left Anfield, but even he wasn’t ready for the minor tremors the thought of his impending departure caused.

Gerrard, 34, revealed Friday that he’ll leave Liverpool when his contract expires at the end of the 2014-15 season. Following Gerrard’s announcement, praise rained on him from all corners of the soccer world. The Liverpool captain used Instagram to thank his friends and fans for the outpouring of support on an emotional day.

A very emotional day and I'm sure their is a few more to follow . I am very humbled and flattered by the support and kind words . Thank you all so much . Liverpool football club is my life , always has been and always will be . . Now it's time to focus on the next game , still plenty to play and fight for this season . YNWA

Et bilde publisert av Steven Gerrard (@stevengerrard) Jan. 1, 2015 at 11:31 PST

Gerrard likely will continue to lead Liverpool in the last five months of his Anfield career. The Reds are chasing a top-four finish in the Premier League, will enter the UEFA Europa League in February and still are alive in both the Capital One Cup (Football League Cup) and the FA Cup.

Liverpool fans should find a measure of comfort in the promise Gerrard made Friday. He has led the Reds with distinction for the last 11-plus years (longer than anyone else in Liverpool’s 122-year history), and that won’t change now that he faces a future outside the walls of the only club he has ever represented.