Friday 15 May 2015 11:39, UK
Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard expects his final game at Anfield on Saturday to be an emotional affair.
The former England midfielder will bid farewell to the ground where he has played for 17 years when Liverpool host Crystal Palace on Saturday Night Football, live on Sky Sports 1.
And speaking to Sky Sports, Gerrard said he could not promise not to shed a tear after being teased by former Reds team-mate Jamie Carragher that he will break down and cry.
"I'm not like him, I'm not made of stone," he said. "I'm not macho like Jamie.
"We'll have to wait and see. I'm not usually one that sheds tears when I'm emotional, I usually keep it in, but we'll have to wait and see. There's no shame in shedding a tear I don't think.
"I'm really looking forward to the game. I want to win the game. I want to win my last game at Anfield. It will be a bonus if I can get on the score-sheet.
"But once the game finishes and I say goodbye to the fans that are here - and I know it's being televised so it's a good chance for me to say goodbye to the fans worldwide as well - it will be emotional, not just for me, for my family.
"I'm sure there will be a few supporters that are emotional too. After 17 years, that's just the way it's going to be."
Gerrard said it would take some time for him to get used to the idea that he will not play a competitive game at Anfield again.
"On Sunday, I'll be hungover probably, without going out drinking. I'll have that low feeling, be a little bit depressed knowing that I'm not going to play here again in a competitive game.
"I've loved playing here, I've loved every minute of my career. I'm proud of what I've done. I'll have a smile on my face but I think there'll be a part of me that's sad and a little bit down that it's all over here at Anfield."
Next up for Gerrard is a move to the MLS, where he will play for the LA Galaxy and he's looking forward to finishing his career away from the Premier League spotlight.
"It's a great challenge. It's a good time," he added.
"I'm coming up to my 35th birthday, it's a good chance for me to enjoy a couple of years of my life with less pressure, spend more time with my family.
"But I'm still in good condition, I still enjoy my football and I can still start football matches and compete for some trophies in the States."
I think over a 17-year period I have shown what I am about here and I think the fans respect me for the 17 years rather than one moment.
The only major club honour missing from Gerrard's CV is a Premier League winner's medal and he admits last season's slip against Chelsea, which saw Demba Ba race through and score in a vital 2-0 victory for the Blues, still haunts him as the greatest regret of his career.
"When I finish in a couple of weeks and reflect, that is certainly going to be the lowest point of my career," he said.
"You win or lose the league over a 38-game period, but I'm not stupid and I do realise that that moment was big. But I will always take full responsibility and take it on the chin - that's what I've tried to do.
"I think over a 17-year period I have shown what I am about here and I think the fans respect me for the 17 years rather than one moment."
Watch Steven Gerrard's final Anfield match against Crystal Palace on Saturday Night Football - coverage starts on Sky Sports 1 HD at 5pm.
