After nearly winning the Premier League last season, Liverpool are in the middle of the pack this year, and it seems like they may be losing another key player after the season ends. The team has already witnessed the departure of a few key contributors from last year's squad, and it appears that longtime captain Steven Gerrard will join that list soon.

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According to Fox Sports, Gerrard has confirmed that he will indeed leave the club after the season concludes. The midfielder has been with the Liverpool organization since he was eight years old, and although they offered him a contract extension, he has chosen to pursue a new challenge.

Gerrard, who turns 35 in May, admitted that the decision was not easy, saying "This has been the toughest decision of my life and one which both me and my family have agonized over for a good deal of time."

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Gerrard went on to explain his reasoning for the announcement and to thank everyone in the organization and the fans.

"I am making the announcement now so that the manager and the team are not distracted by stories or speculation about my future," he said. "Liverpool Football Club has been such a huge part of all our lives for so long and saying goodbye is going to be difficult, but I feel it's something that's in the best interests of all involved, including my family and the club itself.

"I'm going to carry on playing and although I can't confirm at this stage where that will be, I can say it will be somewhere that means I won't be playing for a competing club and will not therefore be lining up against Liverpool - that is something I could never contemplate."

Gerrard reportedly will consider a few offers, but early speculation is that he will be the latest premier league legend to journey across the Atlantic and join Major League Soccer in the United States.