Steven Gerrard has revealed he has yet to make a decision on his future, but has vowed to reveal all once he has made his mind up.
The 34-year-old has spent his entire playing career in the red half of Merseyside, where he is considered one of the greatest – if not the greatest – players to have ever represented the club. Since making his first team debut in 1998 he has gone on to make 686 appearances in all competitions, scoring 177 goals, and has been the captain since taking the armband from Sami Hyypia in 2003.
Although his chances of winning a Premier League title now look to have passed him by, Gerrard has helped the Reds to two FA Cups, three League Cups, a UEFA Cup, two UEFA Super Cups and, of course, the 2005 UEFA Champions League. So whilst disappointed not to have won the domestic title, his honours list is more than the majority of players collect in their careers.
How much longer he will continue to patrol the Liverpool midfield remains to be seen though, and has been a topic of hot debate this season. The former England international skipper is out of contract at the end of the campaign, and it has been suggested that he will be offered the chance to extend his stay by 12 months with the option of a coaching role, albeit on a reduced wage.
The Reds faithful will be desperate to see their hero agree to fresh terms, even if he is perhaps not the power of old. But after scoring his first goal from open play since January in the 3-1 win at Leicester City on Tuesday night, Gerrard said: “I’ll decide when I’m ready. There’s nothing to say on the contract at the moment. When there is, the fans have known me long enough, I’ll say what I need to say.”
When Gerrard does eventually hang up his boots, it is a fair assumption that Jordan Henderson will succeed him as captain. The former Sunderland youngster is growing in influence since becoming a key player during last season, but the 24-year-old England international is hoping the current skipper extends his stay at Anfield as he continues to make an impression in games.
“He’s a massive player for us and a great leader,” said Henderson after the much-needed win at the King Power Stadium. “We need to keep him for as long as we can. I hope he stays for many years to come. I thought Steven was outstanding for us. It was a real captain’s performance from him. He worked so hard for the team and he got his rewards with his goal.”
Should Gerrard accept a 12-month contract on a reduce wage, or should he seek pastures new? Let us know what you think by joining in the discussion below.
