With seven major club honours and over one hundred international caps (including playing in three World Cups) it is fair to say Gerrard has had a stellar career. But as it winds down, what does the future hold for one of England's finest footballers? GQ sat down with the man himself to find out...
**GQ: You have won almost everything there is to win with Liverpool, how important is it to win a Premier League winner's medal to complete the collection?
** Steven Gerrard: It's something I'd love to do, especially after coming so close last year. We did everything we could; it was unfortunate, not just for myself but for the fans and the rest of the players. While I'm still playing I will continue to fight for it, of course, I will.
**Liverpool were exceptional last season, eventually finishing second behind Manchester City, how hard was it to take having led for much of the campaign?
** It was very hurtful to fall a bit short towards the end of the season; hopefully that doesn't become a huge regret in the future.
**What is it like having Champions League football back at Anfield after a four-year absence?
** I've had some of the best nights of my career in the Champions League. The atmosphere is always wonderful, especially having Real Madrid in our group - they are great games to look forward to. Obviously it backfired because they beat us 3-0! But it's brilliant to be experiencing those nights back at Anfield.
**You have worked with some fantastic managers in your career, how does Brendan Rodgers compare, what are his qualities as a manager?
** I think his main quality is man-management, he's a fantastic guy to work for. He tries to improve you on a daily basis; he has that connection and that relationship with every single player. He puts the time in, and his sessions are always realistic and fresh. He always beats the drum to be aggressive with and without the ball, and the sessions are tailored around that. For me, at my age, I couldn't ask for a better coach, I've got a very strong relationship with him and I'm enjoying it on a daily basis.
**Are you enjoying your new deeper role in midfield?
** I am; he moved me there last year, and I think my form was pretty strong. I think if the team is winning and you're playing well it's always that much easier to enjoy it. At times this year teams have set up to spoil the game, and stop that happening, so it's going to be interesting to see whether it works as well as it did last year.
**You scored 13 league goals last season, the second best return of your Liverpool career, are you actually sitting deeper or is it all a myth?
** I am starting attacks from a lot deeper, but I am still contributing from set-pieces and penalties which helps to get those figures up. Hopefully, I can hit similar figures this season.
I think of late I have been pushed further up into the number 10 role like I did back in the day. You can get yourself around the box and add goals because that's what I like to do; I don't want to be an old man in a young team. I want to contribute and help the lads be successful.
**Who is the best-dressed player at the club?
** Probably Glen Johnson, he dresses very well. He's got the frame, the body; he's a good looking fella and he carries a suit really well.
**And the worst?
** We've had a couple of bad ones! Jose Enrique probably, he puts anything together. To be fair to him he's quite funny with it - he doesn't care. He's actually got himself down as a bit of a style icon, but it all just goes wrong for him.
**Who is the most underrated player you have ever played with?
** Good question. Er... Didi Hamman, although everyone knows he is class, a lot of his work was for the team and not stand-out work. Dirk Kuyt was also someone who was very selfless, so probably Dirk and Didi, two quality footballers who put the importance of the team first.
**You have scored some wonderful goals in your Liverpool career, do you have a favourite?
** My second FA Cup final goal, the one against West Ham in 2006.
**Consisting of teammates past and present, what is your all-time best Liverpool XI?
** Pepe Reina; Glen Johnson, Jamie Carragher, Sami Hyypia, John Arne Riise; Xabi Alonso, Javier Mascherano, [''am I in the eleven or not?''] Myself; Robbie Fowler, Fernando Torres, Luis Suarez. Decent strike force that, isn't it? [laughs]
**You won 114 England caps before retiring in July, have you missed it?
** I've missed the games a lot. You know watching them is completely different from being involved. Although I have enjoyed the breaks to freshen up for Liverpool, I have missed walking out with the team.
**You haven't been at home shouting at the TV?
** [laughs] To be fair, I haven't had cause to - the lads have done well.
**What's next for the current England team?
** I think England's next big challenge will be when they get to France (European Championships in 2016). I think they will qualify from the group comfortably - we have shown we are the strongest team in the group, and I don't see any hiccups along the way.
**Is there already too much pressure being placed on Raheem Sterling?
** Not just Raheem, I think any young player coming through will always have huge pressure placed on them. I think it's important to be realistic but in a way it's a good thing. Raheem is a phenomenal talent, he's got huge potential and if he keeps his feet grounded, keeps working hard, he can be as good as he wants to be.
**What does a successful footballer's diet consist of?
** I think you have to avoid the carbs and just hammer the protein, especially when you are close to a game. Sweets and cakes are OK in moderation, but you have to stay sensible.
**Why is hydration so important in football, pre and post-match?
** It's key if you want peak performance. You can't get dehydrated, so it's vital you take on plenty of fluid pre-match, and it's equally important for your recovery. It's alright eating the right food but if your fluids are not going in, it's a waste of time, because it will affect your performance.
**Do you cook, what are you like in the kitchen at home?
** Bang average! [laughs] I've got a couple of signature dishes in my locker. I've got a little goat's cheese pasta number or sometimes I throw a piece of grilled salmon in instead, which is pretty basic. I can cope, but if Alex (Steven's wife) is about she's in, and I'm out! [laughs]
**What are your interests outside of football?
** Golf is my big interest outside of football. I think now that I have retired from England I've got a bit of time to work on my handicap. I'm on the golf course as much as possible;
I had a handicap of 14 a couple of years ago which I have managed to get down to 10. Hopefully, I can get into single figures pretty soon.
**What do you think of Jamie Carragher as a pundit?
** I think he has done great! He loves the game, and his knowledge has always been fantastic. I knew he would do a great job when he told me he was going to be signing on for Sky. He just needs to relax on us. [laughs] Every time I see his face at the moment he is absolutely battering us! But I'm sure they are happy with the job he is doing. I'm pleased for him.
**What are your plans after you retire, are we more likely to see you in the studio or on the touch-line?
** We'll have to wait and see, I'm keeping my options open. I've started my coaching badges: I've just passed my C-license, and I'm going onto my B as we speak. So I'll get all the qualifications needed and then we'll see if I'm good enough. I will probably do some media work in the beginning; I think if you love the game you always want to stay involved. Of course, the dream scenario is to one day manage Liverpool but that's easier said than done, time will tell.
**Who is Britain's best-dressed man?
** Becks! Hands down. It doesn't matter what he's got on he always looks the part.
**Can you recommend a good book?
** I'm a couple of chapters into Roy Keane's new one (Roy Keane, The Second Half), and I'm enjoying it, I'd recommend that. I enjoyed his first book, and this is just as good.
Steven Gerrard was speaking on behalf of Lucozade Sport. To find out more & view exclusive content visit lucozadesport.com or follow @LucozadeSport.
Follow Alfie Baldwin on Twitter: @AlfieBaldwin
