Steven Gerrard admitted he was “honoured” and surprised after being voted No.1 in Liverpool’s Greatest Players countdown.
It was revealed on Sunday that the legendary former captain topped the rankings, which were based on a player’s ability, impact, legacy and success during their time at Anfield.
Around 1.4 million votes were cast by supporters, former Reds players, journalists and a club panel, alongside an analysis of 134 years of club statistics, with Gerrard emerging as the winner.
A lifelong Liverpool supporter, he progressed through the club’s academy before enjoying a 17-year senior career at Anfield.
Gerrard is one of only three players to make more than 700 appearances for Liverpool and sits sixth on the club’s all-time scoring list with 186 goals.
His world-class performances helped Liverpool win eight major trophies, most memorably the Champions League in 2005. Those achievements, combined with his unwavering commitment to the club, have cemented his status as one of Anfield’s greatest-ever players.
Steven Gerrard finished ahead of Sir Kenny Dalglish, who claimed second place after his extraordinary contributions to Liverpool as both a player and manager.
Despite the accolade, Gerrard insisted there would be no bragging rights over a fellow club legend.
“I feel very flattered and honoured,” the Scouser told Liverpoolfc.com. “I think people have maybe recency bias, is it called, where I’ve played in the recent generations, if you like.
“But there’ve been some incredible players before me and after me, so [I’m] extremely flattered and humble. Thank you.”
Gerrard added: “We’ve had unbelievable players, teams. I think sometimes, and I do it more now since I’ve retired, you sit back and realise who you’ve played for, how lucky we are to be part of this club and family and stuff.
“I appreciate it even more now than when I played.
“I mean, wow… I didn’t expect that, by the way. I didn’t expect that.”
“I think the feeling from my side is mutual,” Gerrard continued. “The fans made me, if you like.
“I couldn’t have been the player that I was, I wouldn’t have had the career that I had without the support that I had every three or four days playing football.
“To be recognised by fellow players during my career and win awards, they always felt special.
“But to be honoured by the supporters is even extra-special, I would say, because they’re the ones that watch you closely every single game. So yeah, that feels special.”
“Kenny is my king, he’s my No.1,” Gerrard finished.
“When I first started watching Liverpool players, it was on VHS and DVD and it was Kenny Dalglish, it was [Graeme] Souness, it was all those players that made and built this club.
“When you become a professional, you take the baton off those guys, obviously a bit later on your John Barnes and those types of players.
“You’ve got to look after it while you’re here and that’s what I tried to do. I tried to be the best version of myself and tried to add to the wonderful history and the great players before.
“I’ll never ever sit here or compare myself to Kenny Dalglish or try to wind him up. I leave the jokes and the banter to Kenny!”
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