One of the most respectable characters in Liverpool’s team Jamie Carragher has announced his retirement post this season. He is not only leaving Liverpool club but also Liverpool by making a shift to somewhere else. He has played more than 723 league matches for Liverpool since he made his debut back in 1997 and record wise he is the second most played Liverpool players of all time – just few matches less than all-time great Ian Callaghan who holds the record of playing a maximum number of matches for English club. Besides, he has also played around 38 matches for his national team. Actually, he has never been so popular for his soccer skills; perhaps he has always been an average player with limited skills of surprise flicks, but his honesty and character is something that is memorable about him.
He started his career at Liverpool as a trainee back in 1994 and in just three years; he could play for the club’s A-team. He played more than 700 matches for Liverpool that is a record considering his form and class. Also, he has never been a regular player for the Reds; however the period from 2004 to 2009 is worth mentioning when he played almost every other match for his club. The 38 years old legendry footballer could never have a word of appreciation for his gameplay but he always showed the true ethic that is lacking somewhere in contemporary soccer players. He made his retirement announcement via club’s official website where he said, “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. I will be fully committed between now and the end of the season to doing the very best … as I’ve done my entire career.”
Though, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers did not oppose his retirement decision, but he paid a tribute to the legendry player and said; he still has a significant role to play for Liverpool and European soccer. He said, “Jamie has been absolutely outstanding for me since I joined the club. He has been a model professional on and off the pitch and has shown an unswerving commitment to our work. I know his commitment and dedication on the pitch will remain as it has done his entire career at Liverpool. Jamie’s focus is always on doing what is best for the team and he has said he doesn’t want any distractions while there are still important matches to be played and won.”