Liverpool and England legend Steven Gerrard has officially announced his retirement from professional football after a 18-year career.

The 36-year-old, who left LA Galaxy earlier this month, had been linked with the managerial vacancy at Championship side MK Dons. But on Wednesday he said the managing opportunity had come ‘a bit too soon’ for him.

Meanwhile, Reds manager Jurgen Klopp stated in October that the club would ‘always have space’ for Gerrard, who spent 17 years at his boyhood club.

During the midfielder’s 18-year career, he scored a total of 185 goals and assisted a further 115 from 729 appearances in all competitions, playing for the likes of Liverpool and LA Galaxy.

On international level, he racked up a total of 114 appearances while netting 21 goals and creating 23 assists since his debut in 2000 under head coach Kevin Keegan.