Former Liverpool defender Phil Thompson reckons Steven Gerrard will head to The Big Apple when the finishes at Anfield next summer.
The midfielder this morning announced his intention to quit the club at the end of the season.
Sky Sports pundit Thompson told Ivan Yates on Newstalk’s Breakfast he is saddened that “the last of the local lads” is leaving the Merseysiders but added “I think we have to look back and rejoice” at the career of a “wonderful stalwart” and “ambassador” for the club.
“You’d know that is was coming,” said Thompson. “They’ve been talking about this for a while.”
America and Major League Soccer has been widely flagged as Gerrard’s next destination. “Maybe he wants to move away,” Thompson said. “Maybe he just feels ‘I’ve got a couple of years (still to play)’.”
It was reported last month that New York Red Bulls are targeting Gerrard. The MLS club were said to have been hoping to take advantage of the 34-year-old’s strong relationship with their sporting director, Gerard Houllier, the former Liverpool manager who gave Gerrard his debut in 1998.
Thompson said: “Maybe New York would be fine for him – Gerrard Houilier is a consultant for them – maybe there’s a link there for him.”
Tommo also tipped Jordan Henderson to be the next Liverpool captain.
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