THAT game against Olympiacos. That night in Istanbul. That moment against West Ham. Steven Gerrard hung up his boots yesterday after a stellar career which will see him go down as one of England’s greatest ever players.

A Liverpool icon, Gerrard lifted nine trophies with his boyhood club, including the inspiring 2005 Champions League victory over AC Milan in Istanbul.

710 appearances and 86 goals for the Reds, the 36-year-old will be best remembered for his Roy of the Rovers-style comebacks, including a spectacular volley against West Ham in the 2006 FA Cup final.

Gerrard had recently left LA Galaxy and ended speculation about a possible playing return with Liverpool, saying: “As a teenager I fulfilled my childhood dream by pulling on the famous red shirt of Liverpool and when I made my debut against Blackburn Rovers in November 1998 I could never have imagined what would then follow over the next 18 years.

“I feel lucky to have experienced so many wonderful highlights over the course of my career.

“I am proud to have played over 700 games for Liverpool, many of which as captain, and to have played my part in helping the club to bring major honours back to Anfield, none more so than that famous night in Istanbul.”

The former Liverpool and England captain had been linked with the vacant MK Dons job but turned it down and has been doing punditry for BT Sport.

While he is happy to pursue a career in media, Gerrard also has aspirations of becoming a manager.

“I think I’d like to do a bit of both. In the future I definitely have dreams and aspirations of having a go at management or assisting the manager and being back involved in the dressing room. But I’ve got many many years to do that.”

And current Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp believes the Kop legend will be back at Anfield one day.

“One day in the future, there will be something to announce — I’m pretty sure.”

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