The highs and lows of Stevie G’s career

SINGAPORE – As Steven Gerrard’s swansong in Liverpool colours at Anfield draws closer, the 34-year-old captain is ‘dreading’ his time ahead of the game against Crystal Palace on Sunday (May 17, 12.30am, Singapore time).

“When I made the announcement in January this was the time I was dreading and regretting because I knew how tough it was going to be. But it’s here now, I have to get on with it, play and say my goodbyes in the right way,” Gerrard was quoted as saying in an interview with The Guardian yesterday.

He reflected on the past 17 years of his career with Liverpool, saying that he was not going to rate it "out of 10" like he did for his England career.

 "Looking back now at what I’ve achieved I’m immensely happy and proud of how it’s gone. I’ve got a couple of regrets, of course, but I think that’s totally normal," Gerrard said. 

Despite the prospect of the final home match being his "toughest", Gerrard is determined to carry out his task well: "... It’s here now, I have to get on with it, play and say my goodbyes in the right way. I always knew this moment was going to be the toughest for the simple reason I am going to miss it so much," he said.

CAREER HIGHS AND LOWS

As a fresh-faced 18-year-old, Steven Gerrard received his debut for Liverpool on Nov 29, 1998 in a match against Blackburn and quickly rose to become one of England’s best, garnering individual accolades throughout his career such as the England Player of the Year Award, UEFA Club Footballer of the Year and the Ballon d'Or Bronze Award, among others. He has made a total of 708 appearances for Liverpool and carries with him a goal tally of 185.

Steven Gerrard makes his debut for Liverpool against Blackburn. Video: YouTube/MostarLFCMostar

Gerrard received his first taste of silverware with the Merseyside club in 2001, winning the FA Cup, League Cup and Uefa Cup (now known as the Europa Cup) in that same season.

He won a total of 10 honours for Liverpool, including the memorable Champions League victory against AC Milan in 2005 under Spanish coach Rafa Benitez. Only the Premier League title had eluded him throughout his career, and the best chance which came last season “makes it a bit more painful”, according to Gerrard in the interview.

The elusive Premier League title: Steven Gerrard's dramatic slip in the 2013/2014 season against Chelsea cost Liverpool the English Premier League title. Photo: Getty Images

In May 2000, he was handed his first senior international cap for England, in a game against Ukraine, and has gone on to play 114 times, scoring 21 goals in the process before announcing his retirement from international football on July 21, 2014. His first goal for the country came during the famous 5–1 victory over Germany in a 2002 World Cup qualifier in September 2001.

Steven Gerrard scores his first goal for England against Germany in 2002. Video: YouTube/MostarLFC

Asked whether he regretted his decision to leave, Gerrard told The Guardian that his decision was not taken lightly and he thinks he “got the timing right”.

Steven Gerrard on his move to LA Galaxy. Video: YouTube/LA Galaxy

Perhaps Gerrard's departure will be felt during fixtures to come between old rivals Manchester United and Liverpool. He played 35 times against the Red Devils and scored nine against them. 

Steven Gerrard was vital to Liverpool's famous win over the Red Devils in the 2003 League Cup final. Video: YouTube/The Football League

His final game against Manchester United ended disastrously when he was sent off just 38 seconds after coming on as a substitute in the second half.

Gerrard was dismissed during his final game against Manchester United after reacting strongly from a challenge by United's Ander Herrera. Photo: Reuters

On Sunday, Alan Pardew’s Crystal Palace will enter a packed and emotional Anfield stadium, where tickets to the game are being sold for more than 2,500 pounds (S$5,220) on the Internet. The Liverpool legend’s final match for the Reds will be against Stoke City on May 24 followed by an 18-month stint with US Major League Soccer outfit LA Galaxy.

“When the final whistle goes… I know I’ll be thinking of the people who have been there with me since day one. I don’t think there’s anything to be ashamed of if you shed a tear, especially if you have a love and affection for the supporters,” said Gerrard.