Players Pay Tribute to Steven Gerrard After Liverpool Legend Makes Final Appearance at Anfield

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard made his final appearance at Anfield against Crystal Palace on Sunday, ending a 17-year association with the Merseyside club at home.

The result, in the end, did not tilt in the Reds' favour as they ended up losing the game 3-1, but the outcome of the match did not really matter as all the focus was on Gerrard, with everyone at Anfield wanting to pay tribute and wish him success for his new challenge in Major League Soccer with the LA Galaxy.

While Anfield gave him a fitting farewell after the match on Sunday, former players as well as current players also took time to pay tribute to the Liverpool legend, who has made more than 700 appearances for the Reds in all competitions.

Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge, who was unable to attend Gerrard's farewell ceremony as he is still recovering from a recent hip surgery, took to social media to pay a personal tribute to the Reds captain.

"The greatest player to ever wear a Liverpool shirt," the former Chelsea striker posted on Twitter. "Wish I was there to share his last moments and season with the club."

"He's taught me a lot about football on and off the field and made me feel welcome at the club on my first day when I was nervous and had no idea what to expect. As the saying goes you don't know what you've got till it's gone, but for me we already know what we'll miss."

The Reds' other striker Mario Balotelli added: "Steven Gerrard #legend #respect #icon YNWA."

Former Liverpool forward Luis Suarez, who moved to Barcelona last summer, also paid tribute to Gerrard on Twitter saying: "Thank you legend for all you made me live in Anfield and for all the joy you have given to the football world. Thank you my friend for everything. You are truly one of the greatest!"

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, current working as a pundit for Sky Sports, also paid tribute to Gerrard's amazing career at Liverpool saying:"What a day for #StevieG. Last game for @LFC at Anfield. What a career he has had for the club. Great player and top man #legend."

Former Real Madrid and AC Milan midfielder Kaka, who twice faced Gerrard in the Champions League final in 2005 and 2007, said on Twitter: "There were 2 @uefachampionsleague finals against @stevengerrard, and a title for us each! Congratulations for your career at @liverpoolfc, see you soon in @mls."

Queens Park Rangers captain Joey Barton added: "Incredible send off for Stevie, thoroughly deserved. Will there ever be another who epitomises a club like he did? #Legend #SG8."

Finally, Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero, who also spent nearly his entire career with the Old Lady, added: "A fitting tribute for a real pro and true legend! Good luck Stevie #Gerrard."