Steven Gerrard pays moving tribute to ex-Liverpool team-mate after 'emotional' decision

Stephen Gerrard

Steven Gerrard has congratulated former Liverpool team-mate Pepe Reina on an "incredible career and journey" after the Spaniard announced his intention to retire at the end of the season.

The 42-year-old, who made nearly 400 appearances for the Reds after joining from Villarreal in 2005, will hang up his boots after Como's final Serie A game of the season against Inter Milan on Friday.

During his time at Anfield, Reina helped Liverpool win the FA Cup and League Cup, as well as winning the Premier League Golden Glove on three occasions, before joining Bayern Munich in 2014.

In the wake of the shot-stopper's announcement, Gerrard paid a glowing tribute to his former team-mate's "incredible career", which has spanned more than 1,000 games.

Gerrard

"Congratulations on your incredible career and journey,"

"It was a pleasure not only to play alongside you but also to share many years together at Liverpool.

"A leader, standard setter and a top top goalkeeper. Enjoy your time till you decide your next challenge. All the best Rossi La … what a guy."

Since leaving Anfield 11 years ago, Reina has enjoyed stints at Napoli, AC Milan, Lazio and Villarreal.

In January 2020, the Spaniard returned to the Premier League as he joined Aston Villa on loan for the remainder of the season.

Announcing his retirement via Instagram on Tuesday,

Reina wrote:

"It's been much longer than I dreamed and it's been so short that I'd live it all over again.

"Only three days from the 'last dance', so many emotions, people and experiences come to my mind that I can only summarise with an immense THANK YOU.

"My heartfelt thanks to all those people who have crossed my path, the greatest heritage of this profession, I carry a bit of all of them and I don't forget that they have helped me live this real career privilege as a footballer.

"I feel proud and relaxed of every moment lived;

the bad because they taught me, the good because they made me an extraordinarily happy guy.

"Thank you God for blessing me with a family that is responsible for all the good things that have happened to me and that I will not have years to live to repay.

"See you soon, new projects coming and football runs through my veins... I wouldn't understand this life without him."My most sincere hug."