Gerrard: If I'd met Rodgers 10 years ago, I'd be a Premier League champion

Gerrard will now leave Liverpool without a Premier League winners’ medal, but he believes he would have tasted domestic glory had Rodgers taken over the club 10 years ago.

"I wish I'd met Brendan when I was 24 because I think I'd be sitting here talking about a lot of titles that we'd won together," he told Liverpool’s official website.

"The reality is, Brendan came into this club when I was 32 years of age and it's a shame that relationship didn't start 10 years ago."

Rodgers guided a Luis Suarez-inspired Liverpool to second in the Premier League last season, though the Reds appeared favourites to win their first title since 1989 before suffering a 2-0 defeat to Chelsea at Anfield.

Gerrard insists the club’s subsequent problems have not accelerated his decision to leave, instead claiming that he made up his mind after being told that he may see his game time restricted this season. 

"There was more than one moment that has made me come to this decision, but I think the key conversation or moment was with the manager when he sat me down not so long ago and said it was time to manage my games for me and for the team," he added.

"I'm bright enough to realise it is the right thing for everyone, but when you've been a starter and a mainstay in the team for such a long time, it was a very difficult conversation to have with the manager."