‘You'll Never Walk Alone’: As Steven Gerrard retires, football fraternity hails the midfield maestro

As Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard bid farewell to a career that saw him make over 800 appearances for club and country, football’s superstars came out in droves to hail the King of the Kop and his contribution to the game.

The former Liverpool and England captain announced his retirement from professional football on Thursday at the age of 36.

Gerrard had spent 17 years at his home-town club Liverpool , 12 as captain, and won seven major honours including the 2005 Champions League before finishing his career with an 18-month stint at LA Galaxy.

His Liverpool and England team-mate Michael Owen harked back to their memories of playing together as kids.

We started at Liverpool together at 11. He was brilliant then. He went on to be world class. Liverpool's greatest player. Congrats Stevie G.

— Michael Owen (@themichaelowen) November 24, 2016

Bayern Munich midfielder Xabi Alonso, Gerrard’s former Liverpool teammate, reminisced the historic comeback victory in Istanbul which they shared.

The Legend Forever. pic.twitter.com/0spWLyP1JY

— Xabi Alonso (@XabiAlonso) November 24, 2016

Former England striker Gary Lineker expressed his gratitude for being given the opportunity to interview Gerrard one last time.

Steven Gerrard has retired. A giant of our game. A Liverpool & England great. Chuffed to do his farewell interview: https://t.co/o9FjfS08d4

— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) November 24, 2016

Former Liverpool defender John Arne Riise, hailed Gerrard as ‘Captain Fantasitc’.

The best player I have ever played with! Thanks for everything mate🙏🏻Mr Captain Fantastic 😁👏🏻 pic.twitter.com/eycltUyZXi

— John Arne Riise (@JARiiseOfficial) November 24, 2016

Ex-Liverpool centre-back Daniel Agger kept it simple on Twitter with a reference to ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’, the club anthem, accompanied by pictures of him and Gerrard.

Y.N.W.A pic.twitter.com/9GRZOgLjkD

— Daniel Agger (@DanielAgger) November 24, 2016

Striker Djibril Cisse, who scored during Liverpool’s 2006 FA Cup final victory, expressed sadness at Gerrard’s decision.

What a sad news to hear that my captain is retirering so proud to had the opportunity to play alongside you and to win some major trophies pic.twitter.com/jWFLVWdWNG

— Djibril Cisse (@DjibrilCisse) November 24, 2016

Jamie Carragher, ex-Liverpool defender and TV pundit, looked forward to spending more nights with Gerrard at the pub.

Sad day for football when a legendary figure like Stevie Gerrard retires from the game. The good news is more nights like this! #legend pic.twitter.com/JBPnPl5lWf

— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) November 24, 2016

Support came from a rather unlikely source when FC Barcelona lauded Gerrard for his achievements.

👏 Thank you, Steven Gerrard, for everything you have given to the world of football. You will never walk alone!!! pic.twitter.com/5yYe0ZxZvH

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) November 24, 2016

Atletico Madrid striker Fernando Torres, who spent many successful years with Gerrard at Liverpool, expressed his delight at sharing the stage with Gerrard.

It's been an honour to play with you / Ha sido un honor jugar a tu lado #YNWA pic.twitter.com/cAU3o365CR

— Fernando Torres (@Torres) November 24, 2016

Former Liverpool shotstopper, Pepe Reina thanked his ‘amigo’ for the great moments they shared.

It's been an honor to play alongside you amigo!! Always an example on and off the pitch!great moments together!THANKS FOR EVERYTHING LEGEND! pic.twitter.com/DjFNMKL38K

— Pepe Reina (@PReina25) November 24, 2016

Former Liverpool player Luis Suarez was perhaps the most eloquent of them all, praising Gerrard in this open letter.

With inputs from agencies