Stevie: It's not just a friendly

Thousands of Reds fans will fill the stadium to honour the Kop hero after over a decade of unforgettable service and Gerrard admits he's feeling a mixture of nerves and excitement as the big day approaches.

But, despite how much of a memorable occasion the event will undoubtedly provide, the skipper is not discounting how useful the match - which you can watch live on LFC TV Online - will be as preparation for the 2013-14 campaign.

The 33-year-old told reporters: "It's a bit surreal. Sometimes I have to pinch myself to realise how well my career has gone at this club. I'm starting to get a little bit nervous and excited at the same time about tomorrow's game.

"It's not about winning. All the tension is on myself and I prefer it when it's on the whole team and squad, but it's still an important game because of the timing.

"There are a couple of weeks left until the season, so it's important for everyone and not just myself. We still want to win the game because pre-season preparations so far have gone really well.

"When the club gave me the date for the testimonial, I had a chat with the manager Brendan Rodgers and the important thing was about the team and the squad because of the timing - I didn't really want it to be a testimonial that was going to be low-tempo and all my friends and teammates from the last 15 years coming back and playing a part.

"I didn't want it to be like that - I wanted it to be a serious game and an important one in the preparations for the season, so that's the way it'll be. It'll be a serious contest."

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The inspirational midfielder feels that Olympiacos were the perfect choice for the clash as his stunning late goal in a group stage match against the Greek outfit ensured that Liverpool's heroic Champions League final victory in Istanbul was possible that season.

"For me personally it was, because of the timing of the goal, how important and what happened further down the line in Istanbul," the skipper continued.

"Andy Gray's commentary also added to that moment as well. That's why we decided to go down the Olympiacos road. They've been fantastic. They haven't asked for a penny in return to come over and play, which means the children in this local area get a lot more money.

"We spoke to a few other clubs who were demanding fees, but Olympiacos have been superb, so I owe them a huge thank you.

"If we were to have gone out that night or in the next round of the competition, the goal would probably never get mentioned, but because it helped get us to Istanbul and we went on to win the competition, when I look back, that goal is very important to myself personally and also to the club. It's certainly in my top three goals I've ever scored."

All proceeds raised from the testimonial and the following gala dinner will be donated to the Steven Gerrard Foundation, an organisation that strives to help unfortunate children in Merseyside and beyond - ensuring that the Reds captain continues to give back to the community.

The No.8 added: "I've never set any targets as far as how much we want to raise, but I think with the game and the dinner that will take place in the evening, we're hoping to clear over £1m.

"I'm going to be slightly biased to my area where I'm from. This club and the game have been superb to me, so the least I can do is support my area where I've come from and where I get most of my support from.

"We have been up and down the country and supported many charities and we've also been abroad as well. I am trying to cover as many areas as I can - I know I'm not going to change the world or anything, but if I can just give a little bit back, it'll make me feel proud."

Looking ahead to the coming years, the Anfield talisman insists he will thoroughly enjoy every step of the way and is aiming to re-assert Liverpool into Europe's elite.

Gerrard concluded: "I think when you're coming to the latter stages of your career you want to cherish every moment and make the most of it.

"I've had many a conversation with Jamie since he stopped and was also speaking to Robbie Fowler today. The first thing they talk about is how much they're missing it already, so while I've still got a couple of years left and maybe a few more after that - who knows? - I want to make sure I make the most of it.

"For me to do that it's about winning and trying to add a couple more medals to what I've already got, and also to try and leave this football club in a healthy position, and that'll be in the Champions League. That's the challenge for me personally."