Liverpool youngster Joao Teixeira has expressed his sadness at Steven Gerrard leaving the club in the summer.
The Reds legend has decided to call time on his Anfield career at the end of the season and join MLS outfit Los Angeles Galaxy.
Teixeira, currently on loan at Brighton & Hove Albion, told the Daily Star: "It's hard to see him leaving. He's been the captain of Liverpool for many years so he's a strong guy in the dressing room.
"The first time I went to training with the first team was the first time I met him. I was going to meet Steven Gerrard, so I was shy, but he spoke to me and was really kind with me.
"He gave me confidence to talk to him like a normal guy. He is a normal guy but he is Steven Gerrard, a legend at Liverpool and in international football."
Gerrard has spent his entire career at Liverpool, making his debut in 1998, cementing his place in the first team in 2000, and succeeding Sami Hyypia as team captain in 2003.
Giuseppe Labellarte
