Gerrard's pride at 'making people happy'
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has revealed that his overriding emotion this weekend will be pride, as Kopites gather at Anfield to honour the inspirational midfielder with a testimonial against Olympiacos.
The landmark fixture, which kicks off at 12.45pm BST, will be available to watch live on this website with an LFC TV Online subscription - as will subsequent friendlies against Valerenga and Celtic.
Thousands of Reds fans will be in attendance on Saturday to celebrate the 15 unforgettable years which the skipper has devoted to the club so far - and the 33-year-old can't wait for the occasion to begin.
He told the Liverpool Echo: "It is a big deal for myself and for my family. They can't wait for the day and it makes me really proud that I'm making that amount of people happy.
"The older you get and when you realise your career is closing in, you appreciate occasions like this more.
"Testimonials are very rare in the game now because players don't stay around at the same club for long. I had many a chance myself to move but looking back now I am so glad I took the decisions I have made.
"The connection I've got with the fans has got stronger and stronger. It is going to be an emotional day but one I am looking forward to."
In a break from routine, the skipper won't be walking out with just his teammates this weekend - Gerrard will be accompanied by his three daughters, Lilly-Ella, Lexie and Lourdes, to the game and the gala dinner that will follow.
The No.8 added: "My daughters are going to come into the dressing room with me for part of it, onto the pitch and they are coming to the dinner until a certain time.
"They've had new frocks made and are going to get their hair done so they're really excited."
The midfield general, who has made a total of 630 Reds appearances, explained that all funds raised from the day will be donated to the Steven Gerrard Foundation - an organisation that helps disadvantaged children.
"Whatever we raise on the day of the game and at the dinner, every penny will be going towards the foundation," the skipper continued.
"Obviously we are starting locally in the Merseyside area but we have also done stuff in Portugal and Dublin, so we are trying to get to as many places as possible.
"I feel like I am in a position to give a bit back. I have been to some different places all round the area. It has been a real eye-opener - to see what these charities need to keep their head above water.
"We have seen some really difficult cases. But when you come away from the places and you see that you have made a big difference, it's a good buzz."
Gerrard was handed the opportunity to select his preferred opposition for the day and he chose the Greek outfit who were the victims of arguably his most important strike in December 2004.
"It feels like it was only yesterday," he concluded. "If I had to pick my favourite goal for connection, timing and the reaction of the crowd - that's the one.
"When we came through that it gave us belief and confidence to go all the way to Istanbul.
"I wanted to find opposition for my testimonial that meant something to the supporters and also to me and my family. We spoke to AC Milan and we spoke to Olympiacos.
"Olympiacos were fantastic from the first conversation. They didn't ask for anything in return. We are going to be sending a little bit of money over to their local charities."
To mark the Liverpool captain's testimonial this weekend, the Steven Gerrard Foundation is auctioning 630 commemorative LFC shirts to raise money for charity. Click here to find out more.