Liverpool and England legend Steven Gerrard, 34, revealed a few days ago that he is to leave his beloved Liverpool at the end of the season to join another club.
It is almost certain that he will go to America to play in MLS after insisting he won’t go anywhere that could result in him having to line up against his boyhood club, which he joined as an eight-year-old. However, it's been revealed that Real Sociedad manager David Moyes (former Everton and Manchester United manager) would like to see Gerrard join the Spanish club.
Gerrard smiles with Jordan Henderson (right) after the former England captain's official announcement
David Moyes would welcome Gerrard at Real Sociedad after the midfielder announced he was leaving Liverpool
Gerrard inspired his team to Champions League success in 2005 in that sensational Final in Istanbul when they beat AC Milan despite being 3-0 down at half time
Gerrard was instrumental in Liverpool's run to the 2005 Champions League Final to win their fifth European title
Gerrard was man of the match in the 2006 FA Cup Final, scoring twice against West Ham United to help Liverpool lift the trophy
Gerrard has won the Cup twice, adding to the eight other trophies he collected during his years at the club
Gerrard celebrating the Liverpool treble of FA Cup, League Cup and UEFA Cup in 2001 alongside then team-mates Robbie Fowler (left) and Sami Hyyipa (right), and then manager Gerard Houllier (second right)
Gerrard has won three League Cups during his Liverpool career, and could still win a fourth this season
Steven Gerrard takes his winning free-kick against Wimbledon at the Cherry Red Records Stadium last night as the Liverpool captain again lead his side to victory in the third round of the FA Cup
Gerrard's trademark free-kick from about 20 yards out was enough to win the FA Cup third round match for Liverpool against Wimbledon in what was a repeat of that famous 1988 FA Cup Final
Gerrard looks on as his free-kick goes over the wall on its way to the goal as Liverpool beat their League Two opposition
Gerrard caps a busy week after announcing his Liverpool exit at the end of the season by scoring twice in the FA Cup win
It is almost certain that he will go to America to play in MLS after insisting he won’t go anywhere that could result in him having to line up against his boyhood club, which he joined as an eight-year-old. However, it's been revealed that Real Sociedad manager David Moyes (former Everton and Manchester United manager) would like to see Gerrard join the Spanish club.
Gerrard 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.
‘I am making the announcement now so that the manager and the team are not distracted by stories or speculation about my future.’
Gerrard, who was only offered a contract extension in November, could even return to play for Liverpool, with the club keeping the door open for a loan deal if he does move to the USA.
In a statement on the club’s website, Gerrard added: ‘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.
‘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 and I want to make sure that I have no regrets when my playing career is over.
Gerrard smiles with Jordan Henderson (right) after the former England captain's official announcement
David Moyes would welcome Gerrard at Real Sociedad after the midfielder announced he was leaving Liverpool
‘I can’t thank Brendan (Rodgers), the owners and everyone at the club enough for how they’ve handled this and I am leaving on great terms. Also, I would like to thank my team-mates and all the staff for their help and continued support.
‘It is a very special place to be part of. It is my sincere hope and wish that one day I can return to serve Liverpool again, in whatever capacity best helps the club.’
Gerrard’s new challenge will almost certainly mean a move to the MLS.
New York Red Bulls, for whom former Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier is head of global football, and LA Galaxy are the clubs leading the race.
He would then have the potential to return on a short-term loan, similar to Thierry Henry’s move to Arsenal when he was playing for New York Red Bulls, or the two spells that LA Galaxy striker Landon Donovan had with Everton in 2010 and 2012.
However, Real Sociedad manager David Moyes said: ‘If he ever wanted to come to play in Spain, he knows he can phone me.’
Last night, Gerrard scored both goals in Liverpool's 2-1 win over Wimbledon - who famously shocked Liverpool in the 1988 FA Cup Final to win the trophy - in the Third Round of the FA Cup, a competition Liverpool last won in 2006.
Gerrard inspired his team to Champions League success in 2005 in that sensational Final in Istanbul when they beat AC Milan despite being 3-0 down at half time
Gerrard was instrumental in Liverpool's run to the 2005 Champions League Final to win their fifth European title
Gerrard was man of the match in the 2006 FA Cup Final, scoring twice against West Ham United to help Liverpool lift the trophy
Gerrard has won the Cup twice, adding to the eight other trophies he collected during his years at the club
Gerrard celebrating the Liverpool treble of FA Cup, League Cup and UEFA Cup in 2001 alongside then team-mates Robbie Fowler (left) and Sami Hyyipa (right), and then manager Gerard Houllier (second right)
Gerrard has won three League Cups during his Liverpool career, and could still win a fourth this season
Steven Gerrard takes his winning free-kick against Wimbledon at the Cherry Red Records Stadium last night as the Liverpool captain again lead his side to victory in the third round of the FA Cup
Gerrard looks on as his free-kick goes over the wall on its way to the goal as Liverpool beat their League Two opposition
Gerrard caps a busy week after announcing his Liverpool exit at the end of the season by scoring twice in the FA Cup win
Watch video of Gerrard's sublime free kick against Wimbledon in the third round of the FA Cup last night:
GERRARD'S LIVERPOOL RECORD
Premier League: 494 appearances, 116 goals
FA Cup: 40, 15
League Cup: 28, 9
Champions League: 87, 30
UEFA Cup/Europa League: 42, 11
Other: 5, 1
TOTAL: 696 appearances, 182 goals
TOTAL: 696 appearances, 182 goals
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook
Last edited:
