Steven Gerrard announces official retirement from playing career

This past Nov. 15, international soccer legend Steven Gerrard announced he was leaving the LA Galaxy after 18 months in MLS. While it remained unclear if he would continue to play elsewhere, today we have our answer. In an Instagram post this morning, Gerrard announced he is concluding his professional playing career.


"Following recent media speculation surrounding my future, I can confirm my retirement from playing professional football," he wrote in his caption. "I have had an incredible career and am thankful for each and every moment of my time at Liverpool, England and LA Galaxy."



Meanwhile, current and former MLSers -- as well as other megastars and teams from around the world -- expressed their respect and best wishes on social media.