18 May,2015 08:47 AM IST | | AFP
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard told supporters he was 'devastated' about leaving the club during a heartfelt on-pitch address after his final game at Anfield on Saturday
Steven Gerrard applauds fans as he walks a lap of honour after his final game at Anfield
Liverpool: Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard told supporters he was 'devastated' about leaving the club during a heartfelt on-pitch address after his final game at Anfield on Saturday.
Steven Gerrard applauds fans as he walks a lap of honour after his final game at Anfield
Gerrard, 34, will join the Los Angeles Galaxy in July after almost 17 years at his home-town club and following a 1-3 loss to Crystal Palace, he paid an emotional tribute to Liverpool's fans. "It felt very strange. I've been dreading this moment.
I'm going to miss it so much," Gerrard told the crowd at a sunny, sold-out Anfield. "I've loved every minute. I'm absolutely devastated I'm never going to play in front of these supporters again." He added: "I'd like to thank everyone at the club who's helped me over the last 17 years. There are too many people to name.
"I would like to thank all my teammates, all the ex-players. They've made me the player I am today. I'll save the last thanks to the most important people at the football club. These supporters stand out more than anyone."
Wild applause from fans
He was then interrupted by cheers and applause from the fans, before continuing: "Before I go, before the tears come, I've played in front of most supporters around the world, but let me tell you, you're the best."
Gerrard was joined on the pitch at the final whistle by his teammates, all of whom wore shirts with his name and squad number, eight, on the back, before going on a lap of honour.
He was also presented with a keepsake by former Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier, who handed Gerrard his debut against Blackburn Rovers in November 1998.
Liverpool took a 26th-minute lead through Adam Lallana, but Jason Puncheon equalised with a free-kick shortly before half-time and second-half goals from substitutes Wilfried Zaha and Glenn Murray gave Palace victory.
The defeat ended Liverpool's paper-thin mathematical hopes of Champions League qualification.
