Steven Gerrard farewell: Liverpool legend plays in front of Kop for final time before MLS move

VIDEO: Steven Gerrard has bid an emotional farewell to home fans but his final match at Anfield ended in a defeat to Crystal Palace.

‘Devastated’ Gerrard farewells the Kop

STEVEN Gerrard endured a disappointing final home match for Liverpool as Crystal Palace ruined his emotionally charged Anfield farewell with a 3-1 win in the Premier League.

Gerrard played all 90 minutes in his 709th appearance for Liverpool but couldn’t conjure up one last moment of brilliance at a stadium he has illuminated so many times in his 17-year Liverpool career.

Instead, the 34-year-old former England captain produced a fairly low-key display in a result that ended Liverpool’s slim hopes of qualifying for the Champions League. Manchester United has qualified instead.

“It was very emotional — an unbelievable send off,” said Gerrard.

“I’m proud looking back over the 17 years but me, being who I am, I’m disappointed with the team performance.

“I will never forget this day but it’s a day I’ve been dreading because I’ll miss it so much.

“I’m devastated I’m never going to play in front of these supporters again.”

Gerrard, one of Liverpool’s greatest players, came onto the pitch before kick-off with his three daughters to a guard of honour from both teams.

Liverpool players wear T-shirts bearing the name and number of Steven Gerrard after the match.

He will leave Liverpool after next weekend’s match at Stoke — on the final weekend of the Premier League season — to join the Los Angeles Galaxy.

The final minute of the match was played to a soundtrack of “Steven Gerrard is red” sung by The Kop. Liverpool fans serenaded their captain of the past 12 years with songs throughout a frustrating match for both Gerrard and the team.

Liverpool took the lead through Adam Lallana in the 26th minute before conceding to Jason Puncheon’s free kick in the 43rd.

Gerrard greets his daughters as they join him on the pitch ahead of the game.

Wilfried Zaha and Glenn Murray scored for Palace in the second half.

Gerrard had two shots — one that was well saved and another way off target that drew mock derision from The Kop. Gerrard saluted the fans with a thumbs-up.

The game was more a celebration of an icon, a chance to say goodbye, than a football match. Liverpool went into the match with virtually no chance of finishing in the top four, and Palace was safe from relegation, so the whole evening could be dedicated to honouring the club’s best player in a generation — perhaps ever.

Gerrard’s name was the last to be read out — to huge cheers — when the teams were announced. Accompanied by his three young kids, Gerrard touched the “This is Anfield” sign one last time in the tunnel and walked out to the guard of honour, high-fiving each Palace player.

Liverpool fans pay tribute.

He clapped and waved to all four stands inside Anfield, two of which had mosaics held out by fans that spelled “CAPTAIN” and “S8G.” As the club’s anthem, “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” rang out, Gerrard laughed and played with his daughters.

By this time, Gerrard was trending on Twitter, which was awash with tributes throughout the game.

He couldn’t provide a final “Gerrard moment” at Anfield in the 354th and last home match, but fans here have been spoiled with his moments of brilliance since he made his debut in 1998. He will have one more opportunity to add to his goal tally of 185 for Liverpool.

Gerrard leaves the field.

Gerrard’s departure will leave a huge void in the Liverpool team, and at the club. He has been captain since 2003. He has been Liverpool’s symbol for the past decade, the player the team has turned to in times of need, and has set the standard in matches and training.

He departs with 10 trophies for Liverpool — and a bunch of memories.

Originally published as Steven Gerrard farewell: Liverpool legend plays in front of Kop for final time before MLS move