'The legend forever' - Footballing greats pay tribute as Gerrard hangs up his boots

Big names like Kaka, Javier Zanetti and Thierry Henry joined his former team-mates in praising the ex-Liverpool and England midifielder.

AT THE AGE of 36, Steven Gerrard today announced his retirement from football.

Seen as one of the greatest English players of his generation, the ex-Liverpool midfielder — who spent his entire career with his hometown club with the exception of the last 18 months as an LA Galaxy player — won the Champions League, the Uefa Cup, two FA Cups and three league cups during a glittering 17-year professional career on Merseyside.

Unsurprisingly, several former team-mates and opponents have come out to pay tribute to Gerrard since the news broke.

Jamie Carragher

Sad day for football when a legendary figure like Stevie Gerrard retires from the game. The good news is more nights like this! #legend pic.twitter.com/JBPnPl5lWf
— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) November 24, 2016

Jamie Carragher / Twitter

Xabi Alonso

The Legend Forever. pic.twitter.com/0spWLyP1JY
— Xabi Alonso (@XabiAlonso) November 24, 2016

Xabi Alonso / Twitter

Fernando Torres

It's been an honour to play with you / Ha sido un honor jugar a tu lado #YNWA pic.twitter.com/cAU3o365CR
— Fernando Torres (@Torres) November 24, 2016

FERNANDO TORRES / Twitter

Pepe Reina

It's been an honor to play alongside you amigo!! Always an example on and off the pitch!great moments together!THANKS FOR EVERYTHING LEGEND! pic.twitter.com/DjFNMKL38K
— Pepe Reina (@PReina25) November 24, 2016

Pepe Reina / Twitter

Jordan Henderson

Michael Owen

We started at Liverpool together at 11. He was brilliant then. He went on to be world class. Liverpool's greatest player. Congrats Stevie G.
— Michael Owen (@themichaelowen) November 24, 2016

michael owen / Twitter

Tim Cahill

Steven Gerrard Congratulations on an amazing career. A player I respect on and off the field. One of the best players I've played against 👊🏽 pic.twitter.com/Q5zFmMeVhs
— Tim Cahill AO (@Tim_Cahill) November 24, 2016

TIM CAHILL / Twitter

Gary Lineker

Steven Gerrard has retired. A giant of our game. A Liverpool & England great. Chuffed to do his farewell interview: https://t.co/o9FjfS08d4
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) November 24, 2016

Gary Lineker / Twitter

Alan Shearer

Good luck for the future. Will rightly be remembered as a great of the game. #StevenGerrard #LFC
— Alan Shearer (@alanshearer) November 24, 2016

Alan Shearer / Twitter

Thierry Henry

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Barcelona

👏 Thank you, Steven Gerrard, for everything you have given to the world of football. You will never walk alone!!! pic.twitter.com/5yYe0ZxZvH
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) November 24, 2016

FC Barcelona / Twitter

Javier Zanetti

Steven, brilliant player, World legend. Congratulations for what you did for football! #Gerrard 🙌🏻 pic.twitter.com/zsskrCEnwN
— Javier Zanetti (@javierzanetti) November 24, 2016

Javier Zanetti / Twitter

Kaka

We were rivals and we lived unforgettable finals. Steven Gerrard congratulations on your incredible career. pic.twitter.com/Ux0wK0ZBCE
— Kaka (@KAKA) November 24, 2016

Kaka / Twitter

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