Liverpool supporters are still mourning in the Football Transfer Tavern following the news that Steven Gerrard is set to leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season.
The 34-year-old has taken the decision to end his 16-year-career with the Merseyside giants in the hope of experiencing a new challenge before the end of his career.
In a statement made yesterday, Liverpool’s longest ever serving captain said: “This has been the toughest decision of my life and one which both me and my family have agonised over for a good deal of time.
“Liverpool Football Club has been such a huge part of all our lives for so long and saying goodbye is going to be difficult, but I feel it’s something that’s in the best interests of all involved, including my family and the club itself.
“I’m going to carry on playing and although I can’t confirm at this stage where that will be, I can say it will be somewhere that means I won’t be playing for a competing club and will not therefore be lining up against Liverpool – that is something I could never contemplate.
“My decision is completely based on my wish to experience something different in my career and life and I also want to make sure that I have no regrets when my playing career is eventually over.
“It has been a privilege to represent you, as a player and as captain. I have cherished every second of it and it is my sincere wish to finish this season and my Liverpool career on a high.”
With the end of an era upon us, we have identified five possible transfer destinations for one of the greatest Premier League players of all-time.
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Click on Steven Gerrard to reveal the 5 most likely transfer destinations for Liverpool’s Steven Gerrard.
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Southampton
Very much an outside bet given that Gerrard has stated he does not want to join another club in England so to avoid playing against Liverpool.
But reports yesterday suggested high-flying Southampton were prepared to offer Gerrard a Premier League lifeline after Ronald Koeman confirmed his interest in the former England captain.
Whilst this currently looks a long shot, if the Saints were to end the season in the top four and be able to offer Champions League football, this may appear a much more attractive offer for Gerrard given his history in the competition.
Inter Milan
Even before Gerrard’s announcement on Friday, Inter Milan had been linked with a move for the 34-year-old following the re-appointment of Roberto Mancini.
The former City boss has been a long-term admirer of Gerrard and whilst Inter have faded in recent seasons, they still remain one of the most respected clubs in Europe.
The opportunity to play in Serie A – a competitive league in comparison with other clubs he has been linked with – and the chance to work under a manager of Mancini’s calibre may well prove appealing in the summer.
LA Galaxy
The current favourites to land Gerrard are MLS giants LA Galaxy. Reports today suggest the side managed by former United States boss Bruce Arena, are ready to offer Gerrard a £20 million salary to complete the move – incidentally the same figure they offered David Beckham to join.
All reports suggest Gerrard fancies a move to the States and destinations do not come more glamorous than Los Angeles.
New York City FC
New York City FC are an upcoming MLS side and signalled their intent to grow with the signing of Frank Lampard in the summer.
True – Lampard is yet to play for them having signed for Manchester City – but he is expected to be there next season where the side managed by Jason Kreis could attempt to do what no England boss was able to do successfully – and partner Lampard with Steven Gerrard in the middle of the park.
Another long shot perhaps but with the financial backing the club has, anything is possible as we have seen previously.
New York Red Bulls
Alternatively, New York’s other MLS side – the Red Bulls – have also expressed an interest and seem a more likely destination. This is down to the fact that former Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier is the sporting director of the side that previously attracted Thierry Henry to the States.
Managed by Mike Petke, the Red Bulls will hope Houllier’s relationship with Gerrard will play a part in persuading him this is the MLS club for him – something that seems a real possibility given the way Gerrard has previously spoken of the Frenchman as a ‘father figure’, after Houllier appointed him Reds captain in 2003.
