Former Liverpool and England captain Steven Gerrard has called time on his playing career at the age of 36.
Gerrard spent 17 years at his hometown club Liverpool, where he won seven major trophies, before ending his time on the pitch with an 18-month spell at LA Galaxy.
"Following recent media speculation surrounding my future, I can confirm my retirement from playing professional football," Gerrard said in a statement.
He added: "I have had an incredible career and am thankful for each and every moment of my time at Liverpool, England and LA Galaxy."
Although the Premier League title famously eluded him, Gerrard did win two FA Cups, three League Cups, the Champions League and the UEFA Cup.
His finest hour came in Istanbul in May 2005, when he inspired Liverpool to come from 3-0 down against AC Milan at half-time in the Champions League final to win on penalties.
In total he made 710 appearances for Liverpool, the third highest behind Ian Callaghan and former teammate Jamie Carragher. He scored 186 goals.
He was capped 114 times by England, a tally bettered only by Peter Shilton, Wayne Rooney and David Beckham, and scored 21 international goals.
During his England career he appeared at six major tournaments and captained England at the 2010 World Cup, Euro 2012 and the 2014 World Cup.
"I feel lucky to have experienced so many wonderful highlights over the course of my career," Gerrard said.
"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.
"At an international level, I feel privileged to have won 114 England caps and to have had the honour of captaining my country. I will always look back with great pride at every time I pulled on the England shirt."
Gerrard has been linked with a coaching role at Liverpool, as well as Celtic and Newcastle United, where former Liverpool managers Brendan Rodgers and Rafael Benitez are respectively in charge.
He is reported to have turned down an approach from League One side Milton Keynes Dons and said he would take his time before announcing his next move.
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