He’s been the brunt of a bad joke since his fateful slip last year but it’s worth remembering that Steven Gerrard deserves his plaudits, too.
A footballer with as much loyalty as he does talent isn’t exactly a dime a dozen these days.
In the face of hard times, relentless suitors and all the question marks over what staying at Liverpool would mean for his future, Gerrard remained at his home and commanded the arm band until he was no longer needed.
Tonight, both him and Frank Lampard – jetting out for America in the summer – were recognised with the PFA Merit Award and, despite a dodgy-looking trophy, Gerrard moved the room with what felt like a goodbye speech.
Huge congratulations to Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard who receive the PFA Merit Award! #PFAawards pic.twitter.com/l4g7hNf0H5
— Professional Footballers’ Association (@PFA) April 26, 2015
“It has been a privilege to represent Liverpool for so long and to share some of the highlights of my career,” he said.
“For sure I’m going to miss Liverpool, the league and the country – I will miss everything about it, it is going to be an emotional few weeks, but I go with my head held high and I’m not going to hang my boots up yet – I’ve got a couple of years left in me.
“I have been lucky, I have had a fantastic career it has been full of highs and lows but some of the highs I have achieved have blown me away and I achieved a lot of my dreams playing for Liverpool and England.
“I’m really pleased. Every time you get an individual award and an award for the job you do, you’re really happy. I’m a young boy from a council estate who has worked every so hard to get to where I am today.”
Gerrard on move to LA "then hopefully I will come back and get a job at Liverpool" #lfc #PFAawards
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) April 26, 2015
