Interview'I feel honoured' - Steven Gerrard reacts to being crowned Liverpool's Greatest
Steven Gerrard admitted to being 'honoured' and taken aback by being voted No.1 in the countdown of Liverpool's Greatest.
It was revealed on Sunday evening that the legendary former captain earned top spot in the ranking, which was determined by a player's ability, impact, legacy and success during their time at Anfield.
Around 1.4 million votes were collected from supporters, ex-Reds, journalists and a club panel, along with the crunching of 134 years' worth of statistics, resulting in Gerrard taking first place.
"I feel very flattered and honoured," the Scouser told Liverpoolfc.com. "I think people have maybe recency bias, is it called, where I've played in the recent generations, if you like.
"But there've been some incredible players before me and after me, so [I'm] extremely flattered and humble. Thank you."
Gerrard added: "We've had unbelievable players, teams. I think sometimes, and I do it more now since I've retired, you sit back and realise who you've played for, how lucky we are to be part of this club and family and stuff.
"I appreciate it even more now than when I played.
"I mean, wow… I didn't expect that, by the way. I didn't expect that."
A boyhood Liverpool fan, Gerrard rose through the club's youth system to enjoy a 17-year career in the senior team.
He is one of just three players to reach 700 appearances for the Reds and currently occupies sixth spot on the all-time scorers list with 186 goals.
His world-class talent helped the Liverpool teams he played in lift eight major honours, with the standout, of course, being the Champions League in 2005.
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Watch on YouTubeSuch contributions and jaw-dropping ability meant he was – and still is – adored by the fan base.
"I think the feeling from my side is mutual," Gerrard continued. "The fans made me, if you like.
"I couldn't have been the player that I was, I wouldn't have had the career that I had without the support that I had every three or four days playing football.
"To be recognised by fellow players during my career and win awards, they always felt special.
"But to be honoured by the supporters is even extra-special, I would say, because they're the ones that watch you closely every single game. So yeah, that feels special."
Gerrard's closest competition in the Greatest ranking came from Sir Kenny Dalglish, who took the No.2 spot for all his decades of distinguished service.
But there will be no boasting from one true club legend to another before him.
"Kenny is my king, he's my No.1," Gerrard finished.
"When I first started watching Liverpool players, it was on VHS and DVD and it was Kenny Dalglish, it was [Graeme] Souness, it was all those players that made and built this club.
"When you become a professional, you take the baton off those guys, obviously a bit later on your John Barnes and those types of players.
"You've got to look after it while you're here and that's what I tried to do. I tried to be the best version of myself and tried to add to the wonderful history and the great players before.
"I'll never ever sit here or compare myself to Kenny Dalglish or try to wind him up. I leave the jokes and the banter to Kenny!"