With Steven Gerrard confirming that he will leave Liverpool at the end of 2014-15, as per LiverpoolFC.com, the nostalgia and tributes have b...
With Steven Gerrard confirming that he will leave Liverpool at the end of 2014-15, as per LiverpoolFC.com, the nostalgia and tributes have been pouring in from fans all over the world.
Looking back on a magnificent career, Gerrard leaves with many wonderful abiding memories that rightly put him among the club's greatest-ever players.
Here we count down the top 10 greatest Gerrard moments with the aim of spanning his entire career at Anfield. Fittingly the list is decorated with big matches, stunning strikes and glorious occasions.
Let us know your personal Gerrard memories in the comments section below.
6. His First Goal
Having made his Liverpool debut against Blackburn the year before, Gerrard's first goal came in style—the Reds' third in a 4-1 victory over Sheffield Wednesday in December 1999.
Gerrard's linking run from the halfway line left Wednesday defenders for dead, before he slid the ball past Kevin Pressman.
It was the first of many—to date Gerrard has scored 180 goals in 695 appearances, as per LFC History.
5. Being Made Liverpool Captain
With Gerard Houllier as his mentor, Gerrard was handed the captain's armband in 2003, taking over from Anfield favourite Sami Hyypia.
It was a significant passing-of-the-baton occasion with Hyypia having been a commanding leader from the back—but returning the captaincy to a Scouser when mature enough had a wonderful poignancy to it.
Gerrard has gone on to captain Liverpool more than any other player
4. Scoring in 2001 UEFA Cup Final
Under pressure in a European final for the first time, Gerrard struck a fine strike under Alaves goalkeeper Martin Herrera to give Liverpool a 2-0 lead in just the 16th minute in the 2001 UEFA Cup Final in Dortmund.
Gerrard and the Reds would go on to win the trophy when Delfi Geli netted an own "golden goal" after a relentless 4-4 draw in normal time
3. Kissing The Camera At Old Trafford
Overcome with emotion at giving Liverpool the lead against Manchester United at Old Trafford in 2009, Gerrard followed his penalty up by running to the corner flag, puckering his lips and giving the watching world an iconic kiss.
Liverpool went on to win the remarkable game against Alex Ferguson's side 4-1, and Gerrard's kiss celebration became synonymous with his goalscoring in future meetings between the teams.
A pivotal moment in the 2013-14 Premier League title race saw a 78th-minute Philippe Coutinho strike beat Manchester City's Joe Hart and Liverpool held on for a 3-2 victory to swing the title firmly in their favour.
Upon joyous scenes at full time around Anfield, Gerrard rounded his teammates into a huddle to give a battle cry of the highest order.
"This does not slip," he cried. "We go Norwich and do exactly the same!"
2. Olympiakos Strike
Liverpool's epic 2005 Champions League adventure would never happened had Gerrard not produced one of his most iconic goals in the dying moments of their group-stage match against Olympiakos.
On December 8 2004, Liverpool were leading the Greeks 2-1 at Anfield, needing a third to see them through to the next stage.
After earlier goals from Florent Sinama Pongolle and Neil Mellor, it was Mellor's touch on the edge of the area that set up Gerrard to steam in with a thunderous strike.
For viewers watching at home, Sky Sports pundit Andy Gray's "Oh Ya Beauty!" reaction would evoke memories for years to come.
1. Istanbul
The pinnacle of Gerrard's career—leading Liverpool to the 2005 European Cup triumph in Istanbul.
Picking his teammates up from the slump of finding themselves 3-0 down at half-time to Carlo Ancelotti's AC Milan, Gerrard stretched to head home a 54th-minute goal and offer the Reds some hope.
What followed was one of the greatest comebacks in football history—Vladimir Smicer netting from the edge of the box, before Gerrard won a penalty for Xabi Alonso to convert on the second attempt.
A penalty shootout win later and Liverpool's "Captain Fantastic" was lifting the club's fifth European Cup
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