He stands six feet tall, he smashes the ball in from a good 40 yard. His name is Steven Gerrard.
If there is one phrase that describes a Liverpool supporter, it is ‘relentless emotional support’.
Whether the going is good or the times hard, the Red army are there standing strong. And at the helm was their most loved boy, Gerrard.
On March 30 1980, the fortunes of Liverpool Football Club changed forever when Steven George Gerrard was born. This little lad made his way up the youth ranks at Liverpool to make his Premier League debut on November 29, 1998, against Blackburn Rovers.
He has since made over 700 appearances, scoring over 180 goals, and captained the side since 2003.
From his immaculate 60-yard passes to his inch-perfect free kicks finding the top corner, his journey has been breathtaking.
The passion and leadership that Gerrard brought to the ground, coupled with his hunger whether he played in an attacking role or a defensive one was more than admirable.
Above all he is and always has been a gentleman.
He plays for pride and passion and did not leave the sinking ship for pastures green when he had the opportunity. Teams with bigger names and possibly better squads came knocking for his signature time and again, and Gerrard refused them.
He has won one Champions League, one UEFA Cup, two UEFA Super Cups, two FA Cups, three League Cups and one FA Community Shield, as well as over 40 individual accolades.
His trophy cabinet has almost all major medals, except a coveted Premier League title, which will now remain an unfulfilled dream.
Under Gerrard’s captaincy Liverpool came excruciatingly close to winning the Premier League in 2002, 2008 and 2014. However, with his ageing legs unable to keep up with the younger members of the squad, Gerrard has called time on his Liverpool career.
On January 7, 2015, he signed an 18-month deal with Los Angeles Galaxy of Major League Soccer, following the footsteps of David Beckham.
Still, many believe he could return on loan to wear the red jersey next January. Some also believe and hope that he one day will take charge as the manager of the club that he has devoted his life to.
A player of his stature, composure and skill leaves an enormous void to fill. The sound of the commentator screaming ‘Gerrard!’ when he smashes the ball in from 40 yards will no longer reverberate around Anfield. The Kop will have to find a new hero.
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