Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has revealed that he decided to retire from playing because he felt that his body could not cope with the demands of the game.
The 36-year-old announced his retirement on Thursday, closing the door on a 19-year career.
Gerrard spent 17 of those years at Liverpool, making 710 appearances and scoring 186 goals after leaving to join MLS outfit Los Angeles Galaxy in 2015.
After announcing the news, in an interview with BT Sport, Gerrard said: "There are a few reasons really. Obviously you are aware of this time coming towards the end and the body starts talking to you, the pains and the aches get more regular.
"The way you feel out there on the pitch changes, over the last couple of years I've felt myself slowing down a little bit if you like. I basically can't deliver what I used to be able to deliver and that becomes a little bit frustrating as time goes on.
"And also I've listened to people over the years, important people in the game who I trust and have a lot of respect for, they said always go with a tiny bit left. Never overstay your welcome and play on too long where it becomes embarrassing. I can feel that's not too far away, so now is the right time."
Gerrard said in a statement that he will take time to "consider a number of options" with regards to his next steps, but he has already turned down the manager's job at MK Dons.
Danielle Joynson
