Gerrard: Thank-you, Liverpool
Steven Gerrard has revealed how he still feels privileged to captain Liverpool Football Club.
The 32-year-old has worn Liverpool colours 614 times since making his senior debut against Blackburn in November 1998, a tally that puts him 10th in the club's appearance table just behind Alan Hansen.
Gerrard's talent and drive have been the catalyst for some unforgettable victories over the past 15 years, while his cache of 155 goals has included strikes in every major cup final - including the Champions League in 2005.
It would be fair to suggest the club owes its skipper a debt of gratitude, but the man himself believes it works both ways.
"It is the club I have supported since I was a boy and I'm in such a privileged position to captain the team," said Gerrard.
"It (a move to Chelsea) was very close but I have no regrets and am absolutely delighted I stayed loyal to Liverpool.
"A lot of people talk about my loyalty to Liverpool but what rarely gets mentioned is Liverpool's loyalty to me.
"I've been there since I was eight and the contracts kept coming, the love kept coming, they have always supported me on and off the pitch.
"A football career is like a roller coaster, it is up and down and you learn from your mistakes on and off the pitch.
"But no matter what I have done I've always had fantastic people around me at the club. I think Liverpool deserve a big thank-you from myself for the loyalty they have shown to me."