Gerrard, born in the Merseyside village of Whiston, joined the Liverpool academy when he was nine-years-old.
He made his debut for the senior team as a substitute against Blackburn Rovers in November 1998.
In October 2003 he became club captain and led his team to the UEFA Champions League trophy in 2005, scoring his side’s first goal in the Istanbul final as they came from three down to draw 3-3 with AC Milan and then beat them on penalties.
Gerrard also won the UEFA Cup, two FA Cups, three League Cups, one Community Shield and two UEFA Super Cups.
He also won numerous individual honours including UEFA Club Footballer Of The Year (2005), PFA Players’ Player Of The Year (2006) and FWA Footballer Of the Year (2009).
The former England captain, who has played 695 games and scored 180 goals so far for The Reds, said the decision to leave Anfield was the “toughest of his life”.
He added: “My family have agonised over for a good deal of time.
“I won’t be playing for a competing club and will not therefore be lining up against Liverpool – that is something I could never contemplate.
“My decision is completely based on my wish to experience something different in my career and life and I also want to make sure that I have no regrets when my playing career is eventually over.
“From now until the last kick of the last game of the season, I will be as fully committed to the team as I ever have been and giving everything I have to help Liverpool win games”.
The 34-year-old became free to sign a pre-contract agreement with an overseas team yesterday and is believed to be wanted by clubs in the US.
However LA Galaxy president Chris Klein declined to comment on suggestions his club want to sign Gerrard, who scored two penalties in the 2-2 draw with Leicester City on New Year’s Day.
Liverpool Manager Brendan Rodgers said on 1st December that the midfielder had been offered a new deal, at the same time dismissing reports that the pair had fallen out.
Rodgers has said in recent weeks he wanted to ration Gerrard’s appearances in order to keep him fresh, and left him on the bench for Monday’s 4-1 Premier League win over Swansea.
Below are few reactions to Gerrard’s announcement on Twitter:
Check out some of Gerrard’s best moments in a Liverpool shirt below: