Liverpool players 'in shock' over Gerrard's decision to quit post season end

Former England player and Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard's sudden decision to quit his boyhood club has left his teammates surprised and they have revealed that their skipper's decision has come as a big shock.

The veteran captain, who has been at Liverpool for 25 years and scored 180 goals for the club, confirmed on Friday that he would be leaving the club at the end of the season, while terming it as the toughest decision of his life.

Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson said that it was a big shock to see that he would be leaving as no one had a clue about it. He added that it would be difficult to fill his presence as he was such a leader of their group, such a figurehead, and had been for many years, the BBC reported.

Expressing his shock, former Liverpool striker John Aldridge said that it was a day he had been dreading for a long time and he would be hanging up his boots for Liverpool, which would be unfillable. He added that he had been watching Liverpool play for 50 years home and away and Gerrard was the best player he had seen for them.

Gerrard led the club to the Champions League title in 2005, also winning the UEFA Cup, two FA Cups, three League Cups, one Community Shield and two UEFA Super Cups.