OFFICIAL: Gerrard quits Liverpool

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has said it is with heavy heart he is to quit Anfield after 25 years, describing the decision as the "toughest of his life". But confirming he is leaving the club at the end of the season, the 34-year-old signalled his hope to return to Liverpool in the future. While planning to continue his career overseas, he made clear it would be with a team that would not bring him into direct competition with Liverpool, which he said was "something I could never contemplate".
Gerrard's future at Anfield has been the subject of speculation for several months. The 34-year-old, who scored two penalties in Thursday's 2-2 home draw against Leicester, is said to be in talks with Major League Soccer franchise LA Galaxy and the two New York clubs - City and Red Bulls.
Explaining his decision, 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. "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 itself. "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 in my career and life and I also want to make sure that I have no regrets when my playing career is eventually over."
He added: "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. "My final message is for the people who make Liverpool Football Club the greatest in the world - the supporters. "It has been a privilege to represent you, as a player and as captain. I have cherished every second of it and it is my sincere wish to finish this season and my Liverpool career on a high."
 Gerrard, who stood down as England skipper after the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, joined Liverpool as an eight-year-old and has made 695 appearances for the club and lifted 10 trophies. His greatest moment came when he scored in the Champions League final in 2005 and inspired Liverpool to come from 3-0 down at half-time against AC Milan and win the trophy on penalties. But his hopes of winning the Premier League are likely to remain unfulfilled after Liverpool came up agonisingly short last season and lost out to Manchester City. They currently lie eighth in the table, 17 points behind leaders Chelsea.