Steven Gerrard is set to receive the Freedom of the City of Liverpool.

The Reds legend is to be awarded the city’s highest civic honour in recognition of his contribution to national and international football, as well as his charity work in helping disadvantaged children across the United Kingdom.

Gerrard has been nominated by the Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson, and it’s expected to be formally agreed at a city council meeting on January 18, with the freedom ceremony to take place later in the year.

The former Liverpool No.8 said: “I was stunned and overwhelmed when I heard my name was being put forward by the Mayor to receive this honour.

“Liverpool is my home city and so to be acknowledged in this way leaves me speechless. To even think about getting such an award makes me feel very humble and of course immensely proud.”

Mayor Anderson added: “The Freedom of Liverpool is a special honour and one which we award only to exceptional individuals.

“Steven has had a fantastic career and is widely regarded as one of the most successful midfielders of his generation. But it’s not just his sporting excellence which has made him the icon he is today.

“Whether you’re a Red or Blue, I’m sure everyone will agree he is a fantastic ambassador for the city and his charity work has made a huge difference to thousands of young people, particularly disadvantaged children in Liverpool.

“Steven is an inspirational figure for young and old alike and I’m delighted to be able to recommend to council that we make this award for everything he has given to our city.”