Saturday, 9th February, 2013
Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard tried to persuade Jamie Carragher to extend his career for a further year, but the 35-year-old defender stuck to his decision to retire at the end of the current season.
Carragher has announced that he is bringing down the curtain on an illustrious playing career at Anfield when the campaign concludes and he will bow out having made well over 700 appearances for the club.
But Gerrard, the defender’s long-time close friend and fellow Scouse heartbeat of the team, wanted Carragher to stay in the game a little longer.
And the club captain took time out in an effort to persuade him.
"I’ve known a little bit longer than other people. I’ve tried just as hard as everyone else to try to keep him going for a bit longer", Gerrard told his club’s official site.
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"But we have to respect his decision. He’s had a fantastic career and he feels it’s the right time to go out, at the end of the season."
And Gerrard was consulted by Carragher, and then tried to change his mind.
"He bounced a few things off me, but he’s made the decision himself along with his family.
"He’s basically taken no notice of what I said because I was trying for him to push on for another year.
"At times this season it has been difficult for him, not being a regular starter – because he has been a starter since he made his debut. I can respect and understand his decision; we’re all going to come to that moment in our careers.
"It’s sad for me – I’m going to miss him more than anyone. It’s going to be different for me, not having him alongside me as a vice-captain. It’s tough."
Carragher could yet end his Liverpool career on a high this season, with the club still firmly involved in the Europa League, a competition some have tipped them to win.
The Reds are also pushing to finish in the Premier League top four, which would secure Champions League football for next season.
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