Captain Gerrard leaving Liverpool at end of season

Liverpool's Steven Gerrard celebrates his goal after scoring a penalty during their English Premier League soccer match against Leicester City at Anfield in Liverpool, northern England January 1, 2015.[Photo/Agencies]

Gerrard, who has scored 180 goals in 695 appearances, has won the Champions League, UEFA Cup, FA Cup and League Cup, but his Liverpool career, into its 17th year, will end without winning the Premier League. After coming so close to winning the trophy last season, Liverpool collapsed in the closing stages of the title race and the team is struggling at eighth in this campaign.

Gerrard's drive, the determination, and the goal-scoring heroics from midfield have come to Liverpool's rescue repeatedly since making his debut in 1998.

"He is immense and the influence he has on games should never be understated," manager Brendan Rodgers said. "At times he has carried this club on his back, and in my time here he has always shown the ability that has rightly seen him be regarded as one of the world's best for well over a decade.

"As a leader and as a man, he is probably incomparable to anyone I have ever worked with. He takes professionalism to a new level, and the dedication he has to his work is an example to everyone in the game."

Gerrard said he will be "fully committed" to Rodgers' team until May and plans to extend his association with the club.

"It is my sincere hope and wish that one day I can return to serve Liverpool again, in whatever capacity best helps the club," Gerrard said.

Liverpool's Boston-based owners said Gerrard will "always be at the summit" of the club's list of greats.

"Steven will always have a part to play for this club, as and when the time comes that he wishes to return," owner John Henry and chairman Tom Werner said in a statement. "I hope we all respect that Steven and his family want to pursue something new and different for the final years of his playing career."