Steven Gerrard to receive highest civic honour of city of Liverpool

Steven Gerrard set to receive the freedom of the city of Liverpool.

The former Liverpool captain, 36, is now back home on Merseyside following an 18-month spell in Major League Soccer with the LA Galaxy.

He is to be awarded Liverpool’s highest civic honour in recognition of his contribution to national and international football, as well as his charity work in helping disadvantaged children across the country.

Gerrard was nominated by Mayor Joe Anderson and the decision is set to be formally agreed a city council meeting next week.

"I was stunned and overwhelmed when I heard my name was being put forward by the mayor to receive this honour," Gerrard told Liverpool FC’s official website.

"Liverpool is my home city and so to be acknowledged in this way leaves me speechless.

"To even think about getting such an award makes me feel very humble and of course immensely proud."

Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson added: “The Freedom of Liverpool is a special honour and one which we award only to exceptional individuals.

“Steven has had a fantastic career and is widely regarded as one of the most successful midfielders of his generation. But it’s not just his sporting excellence which has made him the icon he is today.

“Whether you’re a red or blue, I’m sure everyone will agree he is a fantastic ambassador for the city and his charity work has made a huge difference to thousands of young people, particularly disadvantaged children in Liverpool."