On this day in 2016: Steven Gerrard calls time on playing career

Former Liverpool and England captain Steven Gerrard announced his retirement as a player on this day in 2016.

Gerrard brought the curtain down on a 19-year playing career, which was spent almost entirely at his hometown club, aged 36.

He made 710 appearances for Liverpool, winning nine major trophies, before joining MLS side LA Galaxy in 2015 for a season.

At the time he said: “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.

“I am excited about the future and feel I still have a lot to offer the game, in whatever capacity that may be.”

Gerrard remains England’s fourth most-capped player with 114 appearances and captained the side at three of the six major tournaments he played at.

He returned to Liverpool as their under-18s coach in early 2017 and was appointed as Rangers’ new manager in June 2018.

Gerrard guided Rangers to their first Scottish Premiership title for 10 years in 2021 and earlier this month succeeded Dean Smith as manager of Aston Villa.