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Guard of honour, scarves and mosaic - Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard says goodbye to Anfield

Saturday 16 May 2015 21:50, UK

Gerrard salutes the Centenary Stand where mosiac cards spell out 'Captain'
Image: Gerrard salutes the Centenary Stand where mosiac cards spell out 'Captain'

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard was given a guard of honour ahead of his final Premier League match at Anfield.

Mosiac cards 'Captain' are placed out ahead of kick-off for fans the participate in the Gerrard farewell
Image: Mosiac cards 'Captain' are placed out ahead of kick-off for fans the participate in the Gerrard farewell

The Reds midfielder, whose summer move to MLS side LA Galaxy ends an association with Liverpool that dates back to the start of his youth career in 1987, was saluted by his team-mates and Crystal Palace opponents on an emotional afternoon.

Steven Gerrard and his three daughters in front of the Kop with 'S8G' tribute
Image: Steven Gerrard and his three daughters in front of the Kop with 'S8G' tribute

Gerrard, who was named in the starting line-up by Brendan Rodgers, walked out of the tunnel with his family on his 354th appearance at the famous stadium.

The matchday programme leads the tribute to Gerrard, the self-proclaimed Liverpool fan who has 'lived the dream'.
Image: The matchday programme leads the tribute to Gerrard, the self-proclaimed Liverpool fan who has 'lived the dream'.

Scarves, pin badges and masks bearing the captain's face were snapped up before kick-off by fans who chanted the midfielder's name as he took to the turf and then delivered a rousing version of 'You'll Never Walk Alone.'

Gerrard makes his final exit from the Anfield tunnel with his daughter in hand.
Image: Gerrard makes his final exit from the Anfield tunnel with his daughter in hand.

The Kop united to create an 'S 8 G'  mosaic for Gerrard, while the Centenary Stand simply read: 'Captain.'

Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew presents Gerrard with commemorative bottle of Champagne.
Image: Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew presents Gerrard with commemorative bottle of Champagne.
Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew presents Gerrard with commemorative bottle of Champagne.
Image: Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew presents Gerrard with commemorative bottle of Champagne.

Writing in his programme notes, Gerrard - who broke off his warm-up to tell Sky Sports he would "try to get on the scoresheet" - said: "I've lived my life for Liverpool FC - it's been a privilege to captain our club."

Gerrard was denied a fairytale home finale, Jason Puncheon, Wilfried Zaha and Glenn Murray ensuring Palace rallied after Adam Lallana's opener to secure a 3-1 win.

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Steven Gerrard Jason Puncheon Liverpool Crystal Palace
Image: Steven Gerrard Jason Puncheon Liverpool Crystal Palace

But Gerrard was embraced by red and yellow shirst alike and, after thanking the Liverpool fans during a short speech on the turf after the final whistle, he soaked up applause from all sides of the ground on a lap of honour.

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