STEVEN GERARD RETIRES

Former Liverpool and England captain Steven Gerrard has retired, ending a 19-year playing career.

Gerrard, 36, played 710 times for the Reds, winning nine trophies, but joined MLS side LA Galaxy in 2015.

The midfielder is England's fourth most-capped player with 114 appearances and captained the side at three of the six major tournaments he played at.

"I feel lucky to have experienced so many wonderful highlights over the course of my career," said Gerrard.

"I have had an incredible career and am thankful for each and every moment of my time at Liverpool, England and LA Galaxy.

"I fulfilled my childhood dream by pulling on the famous red shirt of Liverpool."

Gerrard had been linked with the manager's job at League One side MK Dons after announcing he would leave LA Galaxy, but said on Wednesday the opportunity came "too soon" for him.

Gerrard, who is working towards his Uefa A coaching licence - the second-highest qualification available, has also been linked with moves to Celtic and Newcastle United, as well as a return to Anfield as a coach.

On Thursday, he said he will take time to consider his options before making an announcement "very soon", adding: "I am excited about the future and feel I still have a lot to offer the game, in whatever capacity that may be."

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp played down talk of Gerrard returning to the Premier League club in a coaching role, and said he should be given "room and space to jump in and learn something new".

"When something is announced then we will talk," said the German, who became Reds boss in October 2015. "It is clear that one day in the future there will be something to announce, that is pretty sure too, but until then there is nothing to say.

"The first thing you should all learn is that, if someone wants to help Steven Gerrard, stop being so excited about each step he is doing next.

"The door is always open for him. From our side, if he wants to make a different career to his former career then we want to help him.

"There is nothing else to say - but maybe that is already too much."

Danny Murphy told BBC Sport his former Liverpool team-mate could consider coaching the Reds' youth players.

"I think it'll be a hugely positive step to learn from Klopp at a club he loves," said the 39-year-old.

"The only difficulty might be the dynamic that creates. To go in as a coach and work around Jurgen and his team, somebody in a job might have to step aside. Maybe to go in as the under-21 or under-18 coach and learn his trade that way might be an option.

"Somewhere down the line, he will be back at Liverpool."

-----BBC