By: Christoph Wagner
Ever since “Captain Fantastic” Steven Gerrard announced that he was to leave Liverpool at the end of the 2014-15 season, many have tried to evaluate the legacy that he will leave behind.
Liverpool are one of the most successful clubs in English football—and, indeed, European football. To date the club have won 5 European Cups, 3 UEFA Cup and as many UEFA Super Cups.
Until very recently the Reds from Merseyside were holding the record for English league titles with 18. Even though their last league title is now almost a quarter century ago, Liverpool nonetheless are regarded as one of the Big 4 in English football. They boast a multitude of players who can be classed as legends of the game. Gerrard can certainly be cast as another red hero.
Most football fans will remember the Istanbul final of the UEFA Champions League in 2005. The Reds were hopelessly trailing AC Milan 3-0 at half time, only to level the score in the matter of mere six minutes. The penalty shoot out that followed was equally dramatic and saw the most unlikely winner: Liverpool FC.
It was none other than Steven Gerrard, captain marvel of the club, whose goal initiated this most unlikely come back. 10 years later Liverpool and Gerrard will part ways. This was reason for the German football magazine 11Freunde to place him on the front cover with the title: The Last Kaiser. This is certainly a huge call, although for most Liverpool supporters this is a deserved accolade.
Born in 1980, Gerrard experienced the great Liverpool side of the early 80’s but also the dark side of the club; he made his way through all the youth teams before earning his call-up to the senior squad in 1998.
Last season, Liverpool came closer to winning the English Premier League title than at any other time over the last 24 years. A fact that may cause Gerrard to lament. However, For the past 15 years Gerrard, like no other player, has shaped and defined Liverpool and managed to win many trophies for his boyhood club.
It is always a special occasion when one influential and great player leaves the club that has shaped him, and that he has helped shape as a player and as club captain. With Anfield sold out for most matches, this season the demand for Liverpool FC tickets will be even bigger to see Steven Gerrard in his last season.
Once this season is over, like many people through the years, he will bid farewell to the port of Liverpool and set sail to the new world.
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