Captain Steven Gerrard bid farewell to Liverpool fans, describing them as “the best supporters in the world” before beginning a new phase of his football career with the LA Galaxy.

“Saying goodbye hasn’t been easy. Liverpool Football Club has been such a massive part of my life since I was 8 years old and I know how much I’m going to miss it. It’s been an emotional time for my family and I with my final game at Anfield against Crystal Palace and then my last appearance away to Stoke City,” the 34-year-old midfielder wrote in a letter posted on the club’s website.

“But I’ve been blown away by the send-off I’ve been given by the supporters and I’d like to thank every one of you. It’s been very humbling and it’s something I’ll cherish for the rest of my life. It’s been an absolute privilege to represent this football club for so long.”

The Merseyside native added: “When I was a kid, all I ever wanted to do was play for Liverpool. I dreamed of pulling that shirt on just once. I never thought I’d get close to achieving that so to be able to look back on a first-team career of 710 appearances spanning 17 years I’m immensely proud.”

The former England captain, who has won almost everything with Liverpool, except the Premier League, said the victory in the 2005 Champions League final against AC Milan was “the best night” of his life.

“Liverpool is my home and I love this city. But I believe the time is right to open a new chapter as I prepare to move to America. I want to keep playing every week in the final few years of my career and I’m looking forward to embarking on a new challenge with Los Angeles Galaxy in the MLS,” Gerrard told fans.