Gerrard 'thrilled' with MBE

Steven Gerrard is 'absolutely thrilled' to be awarded an MBE in the Honours List.

Steven Gerrard is 'absolutely thrilled' to be awarded an MBE in the New Year's Honours List.

The Liverpool captain has received the honour for services to football, 12 months after he was originally tipped to be recognised.

Following The Reds' UEFA Champions League success over Milan in May 2005, Gerrard was expected to be awarded the MBE.

He has now been awarded the honour in the New Year list and offered his gratitude to those who have helped him to become one of the game's most famous players.

"I am absolutely thrilled and honoured to receive this recognition for playing a game I've loved all my life," said Gerrard.

"I'd like to accept this on behalf of all those people who have been so supportive to me throughout my career, all my team-mates over the years, everyone at Liverpool Football Club, everyone at Team England, all my family and friends, and all those coaches who have helped me since I was eight."

Gerrard's 2006 highlight arrived in the FA Cup final when he scored a last-minute equaliser against West Ham United, having also levelled earlier in the game.

His goal sent the tie into extra-time and the midfielder later scored in the penalty shoot-out as Liverpool claimed the trophy.

But the 26-year-old's World Cup proved to be less distinguished as he failed to fire as England lost to Portugal in the quarter-finals.