Steven Gerrard to leave Liverpool: 'This has been the toughest decision of my life,' says captain

The move ends his 26 year association with the club

Gerrard celebrating winning the Champions League Cup in 2005 (Getty)

Steven Gerrard has admitted that his decision to leave Liverpool at the end of the season when his contract expires was the "toughest decision of his life".

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"This has been the toughest decision of my life, one both me and my family have agonised over for a good deal of time," Gerrard said in a statement released this morning.

"From now until the last kick of the last game of the season, I’ll be as fully committed to the team as I ever have been.

"I am making the announcement now so that the manager and the team are not distracted by stories or speculation about my future."

Gerrard, who will be 35 in May, says he will not be retiring, and will continue his playing career elsewhere next season - but it won't be at a Premier League club. It is expected he will move to the MLS in the summer, with Los Angeles Galaxy and New York FC interested.

"I'm going to carry on playing and although I can't confirm at this stage where that will be, I can say it will be somewhere that means 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."

"It is my sincere hope and wish that one day I can return to serve Liverpool again, in whatever capacity best helps the club."

Gerrard won one Champions League, one Uefa Cup, two FA Cups, three League Cups, one Community Shield and two Uefa Super Cups with the club in an illustrious 26-year career at Anfield.