Steven Gerrard is considering retiring from football at the end of the season after being offered a two-year-contract at Liverpool that would see him take a significant pay cut, according to the Daily Star.
Brendan Rodgers revealed the Liverpool skipper had been offered a new deal on Monday, and said he will be given time to make his decision.
“One thing I know absolutely, is that it’s not about money,” Rodgers said. “It’s about the time in his career – where he’s at in terms of playing.
“For everything he has done here over 16 years he deserves the respect and time to consider that. But it’s categorical that I want him to be here, I’d love him to be here.”
Whilst Gerrard has given no indication publicly he will be retiring at the end of the season, the 34-year-old does not want his career to fizzle out at Anfield having struggled to reproduce his best form this season.
Gerrard was left out of a Premier League match for the first time under Rodgers without being injured for Saturday’s 1-0 win over Stoke City – a game that marked the 16th anniversary of his Liverpool debut.
Rodgers insisted there was no rift between the pair after his decision however, and said Gerrard has a job at Liverpool for life if he wants it, on the playing staff for as long as possible and then in a coaching capacity.
“For me, there will always be a position for Steven in terms as a player,” Rodgers said.
“At the moment it’s still about playing, and there is a role further down the line. Certainly to have someone like that beside you in a coaching capacity would be great.
“What Steven gives is more than the football aspect. He’s a unique guy who is a proper legend of this club.
“Even if he ever went away from here then I am sure there would be a time, later on in his life, there would be a role back here for him.”
