Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard "dreading" Anfield farewell

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has admitted that he is "dreading" saying goodbye to the club's supporters when he plays his final home game at Anfield on Saturday.

The curtain on the midfielder's 17-year Liverpool career will not come down until May 24 against Stoke City, but he will grace the Anfield pitch for the last time against Crystal Palace this weekend.

Gerrard, who is regarded as one of the club's greatest ever players, is expected to receive a guard of honour from both teams on Saturday, while fans in the Kop are planning to hold a mosaic as tribute to the 34-year-old.

In this afternoon's press conference, Gerrard said: "I don't know what it's going to be like come the end of the game. I've been dreading this moment in a strange way. I'm going to miss it so much. Playing at Anfield, in front of the fans, with my teammates. The plan is to try to keep it together. Stay strong. Try to avoid the tears."

Gerrard will join MLS side Los Angeles Galaxy on an 18-month deal in July.