Gerrard honoured at FWA gala dinner
Steven Gerrard was presented with the Football Writers' Association Tribute Award at a special gala dinner in London on Sunday night.
The accolade, which acknowledges outstanding contribution to the national game, was presented to the Liverpool skipper in front of a 400-strong audience at The Savoy Hotel in the capital.
Among the guests present were Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers, chairman Tom Werner and managing director Ian Ayre.
Former Reds boss Gerard Houllier, club ambassador Ian Rush and Gerrard's long-standing teammate Jamie Carragher were also on hand for the special ceremony.
Upon receiving the honour, which was last year shared by Paul Scholes and Gary Neville, Gerrard said: "I'm very pleased to have received this award and I'm humbled that my commitment to both club and country is being widely recognised."
Sunday's celebration is not the first time the FWA have shown their admiration for the 32-year-old's talents.
They voted him as their footballer of the year for the 2008-09 campaign, when Gerrard netted an impressive 28 goals and guided Liverpool to within four points of the Barclays Premier League title.
"He's a great lad to have as part of the team and he plays a vitally influential role, both on and off the field," said current boss Rodgers. "It's no surprise he's been given this award to highlight all he's done for the club."
The boy from Huyton has been Liverpool captain since the age of 23 and has lifted the European Cup, two FA Cups, a UEFA Cup and three League Cups since making his debut in 1998.
The England captain is also his country's sixth most-capped player with 100 appearances and 19 international goals to his name.
Liverpool's managing director Ian Ayre commented: "Steven has dedicated his career to the club. He has the love and respect of his teammates, fans and the club. We are thrilled to see him claim his award."