Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher will retire at the end of the season, the club have announced.
The 35-year-old, who has made more than 700 senior appearances for the Reds since his debut in January 1997, has decided to call time on his career and end speculation surrounding his future.
Carragher said in a statement: "This will be my last season at Liverpool and my last as a professional footballer.
"I'm making this announcement now because I don't want the manager or the club to be answering questions on my future when I've already decided what I am going to do."
The former England international, who has won several major honours during his time at Anfield, including the Champions League, FA Cup and UEFA Super Cup, is second only behind Ian Callaghan in the club's all-time appearance table.
Carragher confirmed he will continue until the end of the season and make no further comment on his future until then.
He said: "I will be fully committed between now and the end of the season to doing the very best for Liverpool Football Club, as I've done my entire career since joining aged just nine-years-old.
"It has been a privilege and an honour to represent this great club for as long as I have and I am immensely proud to have done so and thankful for all the support I have had.
"There are many memories I want to share and people to thank, but now is not the time for that.
"I won't be making any further comment on this decision until the end of the season. All our focus and concentration should be on achieving the best possible finish in the league this season and trying to win the last remaining trophy we are competing in."
what do you think?
Stuart Collett
What a player, absolute legend! Deffo gona miss him.
xMOSHnROLLx
Legend and a gentleman. Everything that's right in modern football. YNWA
Ciaran Mulholland
Its way too early. He is still good enough to play for another season, maybe even two. He is better than Skertel and Coates.
hillgraham88
True legend will be sadly missed what a leader and great sportsman :-(
John Roberts
Well it's only you who can decide on your future retirement from LFC . Wish you good- luck what ever you decide to do but hopefully you will be a member of the back room staff
Mushtacq Hussain
Wish you all the best Jamie!!! U have been a true faithful player and a legend for Liverpool FC!!! You have given more than 100 percent in every game! I pray you get a job coaching Liverpool young defenders! PLEASE TEACH THE YOUNGSTERS HOW TO DEFEND!!! THAT I HOPE IS YOUR NEXT AIM! LOL TO U N FAMILY! WORDS CAN'T DESCRIBE HOW U WILL BE MISSED XXX
Claudia Morris
Gutted he's retiring,great player and will be missed :(
Core Respite
Cara You've been the greatest most loyal truly professional defender the world has ever seen. Your a loss that cannot be replaced. Thanks for everything. YNWA.
Diane Rogers
2:13pm on 7/2/2013
Will be missed, what a fantastic player he has been for Liverpool Foorball Club.
Matt Varnam
9:59pm on 7/2/2013
Agreed! Always a good, solid, consistent performer of high quality, shamefully overlooked by England on far too many occasions!