Steven Gerrard obituary.

Former England and Liverpool captain.

The Liverpool and England captain Steven Gerrard has died at the
age of 34, he was a predominant midfielder in his twenty year
playing career both for club and country. While enduring success as
a player, the auspicious prospect of becoming a football coach was
impermanent.
A leader, a man for the big occasion Gerrard was an all round
footballer, he was noteworthy of winning games in alluring fashion
and being a dependent driving force in his acclaimed career. Steven
has represented one club for the longevity of his playing spell and
grew to be a compelled hero.
His determination was thus one of the key skills to becoming an
Anfield regular. Through that he became Liverpools top European
goal scorer and penalty taker. Whilst surpassing success at club
level he also made the most international caps with 114 for England.
He has enjoyed major success with a long list of club and individual
honors, starting with winning an FA Cup in 2001 to achieving
emphatic victory in the Champions League in 2005. After becoming
captain in 2003, it was evident that leadership qualities were his
focus and his reward was picking up the 2006 Ballon dOr Bronze
award. He was also awarded an MBE in the same year following his
match efforts during the Champions League final 19 months prior.
Born in Whiston, Merseyside, Gerrard was a home -bred player. He
quickly progressed in his early years by making it into the Liverpool
academy at the tender age of nine. Before graduating to the first
team, then aged fourteen he had various trials at different clubs
including rivals Manchester United. A professional contract was
finally signed in 1997, a year before making his Liverpool debut
under Gerard Houllier.
Although a new prospect was exciting for the fans, Gerrard was
swarmed with injuries at his peak, suffering with groin and nagging
back problems. Despite an intense recovery period he made fifty
starts in all competitions the following season and secured his first
taste of success winning the FA Cup, League Cup and UEFA Super
Cup.
Gerrard made 700 appearances for Liverpool in all competitions,
and lifted the Premier League trophy after an agonizing wait on the
25th anniversary of the Hillsborough tragedy. Steven was personally
affected by the tragedy as his cousin Jon-Paul was sadly killed.

Although Steven never managed to fulfill his coaching career, the

Steven Gerrard foundation will carry on in his memory. The
midfielder was heavily charity orientated, visiting poorly children at
Alder Hey hospital, and also raising money for Children In Need.
As Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers honors the role of keeping
the captains spirit alive, he gave these words.
Everyone knows his history at the club, what a player he has been.
I got to see his talent every day, I loved working with Steven
Gerrard, I enjoyed every minute. I just wish it had continued.
Steven Gerrard his survived by his wife Alex Gerrard and their three
children; Lilly, Lexi and Lourdes.