Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard retires: Reactions, tributes

The soccer world is still coming to grips with the retirement of Steven Gerrard, one of the greatest players of the last generation and arguably the greatest midfielder to ever play for Liverpool.

Gerrard, 36, had been a free agent for the last month or so after ending his 18-month tenure with Major League Soccer (MLS) club LA Galaxy. There had been some rumours about a possible comeback to Liverpool but Gerrard was quick to put an end to the speculation during his emotional farewell speech.

"Following recent media speculation surrounding my future I can confirm my retirement from playing professional football (soccer). I have had an incredible career and am thankful for each and every moment of my time at Liverpool, England and LA Galaxy.

"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," Gerrard said via a statement. (Read on the Mirror)

During his illustrious 19-year career, Gerrard made a record 710 appearances for Liverpool and scored 186 goals. His finest hour came during the 2005 Champions League final when Gerrard's team bounced back from 3-0 deficit to AC Milan before pulling back to 3-3 in the second half and winning the game on penalties.

Though Gerrard could never win the English Premier League, a title that the Reds haven't won since 1989, he led Liverpool to two FA Cup titles, the UEFA Cup, the UEFA Super Cup and three League Cup titles.

Gerrard also had the honour of captaining England at the 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cups in South Africa and Brazil respectively. In all, the midfielder earned 114 England caps and scored 21 goals.

Here are some of the finest reactions from the soccer world:

Liverpool F.C. tweeted Gerrard's 10 best goals with the club.

AC Milan, a club that Gerrard tormented many times with his spectacular play, paid their respects.

Jamie Carragher, another Liverpool icon, is looking forward to spending time with his former teammate.

Inter Milan boss Javier Zanetti thanked Gerrard for his contributions to the sport of soccer.

Steven Gerrard closed his statement by hinting at a possible job as a manager or coach in the near future. “I am excited about the future and feel I still have a lot to offer the game, in whatever capacity that may be. I am currently taking my time to consider a number of options and will make an announcement with regards to the next stage of my career very soon.”