Jordan Henderson has explained why he believes he owes a debt of gratitude to Steven Gerrard as he paid a glowing tribute to the Liverpool legend following his retirement from professional football last week.

Writing in his column in the official matchday programme, the Reds captain outlined just what impact his predecessor has had on his career.

Henderson said in ‘This is Anfield’: “Last week, when the news broke that Steven Gerrard was to end his playing career, like everyone else connected to Liverpool and football in general, there were loads of different emotions going around in my head.

“At first it was shock; even though it shouldn’t have come as a surprise, it still rocked me on my heels when I saw it break and read the words ‘Steven Gerrard retires’.

“But that soon gave way to gratitude. I’m so incredibly lucky to have played with him, learnt from him and most importantly got to know him as a person.

“I think that’s the part of this where I feel most fortunate. To have had the opportunity to get to know him and see how he conducts himself on and off the pitch has been priceless for me.

“I still remember the first time I met him as a teammate, after I signed. Obviously I was nervous as anything because he was Steven Gerrard and I was this young kid from Sunderland who’d grown up seeing him as the best player in England and possibly Europe playing in my position.

“I have no idea if I managed to hide those nerves or not, but what I do remember is how amazing he was at welcoming me and making me feel at home and part of this club.

“But that was Stevie, someone who had this incredible presence and aura but at the same time able to make you feel at ease and comfortable around him. I was so lucky to have him here as captain when I joined and he probably has no idea what a positive impact he had in helping me to settle in. I know loads of other players say exactly the same thing.

“I could speak all day about his qualities on and off the pitch, but to be honest I know most of that has already been said, and said by better people than me. I remember reading something by Jamie Carragher about Stevie at an event that was held to celebrate his career: “His biggest strength is that he had no weakness”. I have to say Carra has called it perfectly there.

“On the pitch, off the pitch, as a player, a leader, as a man, whatever the public perception is of Stevie it doesn’t come close to how good he is in person. I can speak for every player in our dressing-room who played with him that we’re all grateful for having had that chance to learn from him.”

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