Intro:

Liverpool legend Ian Rush talked on Monday (21 July) about the retirement of England captain Steven Gerrard.

Script:

SOUNDBITE (English): Ian Rush, Liverpool's all-time leading goalscorer:

"I think he (Steven Gerrard) is really putting Liverpool Football Club first. He's had such a great career for England and he loves playing for his country. But there comes a time and place when your body can only take so much, and if Steven was going to carry on playing for England I think it was going to be a long, hard season for him. From a Liverpool point of view, I am very happy because we are going to see the best of Steven Gerrard in a red shirt. He's had an absolutely fantastic career for England, but again, time moves on and I think he's probably putting Liverpool first, and I think it's great from that point of view for the club."

SOUNDBITE (English): Ian Rush, Liverpool's all-time leading goalscorer:

"I think it's how well the manager (Brendan Rodgers) coaches him really. I think there's another two years left in Steven Gerrard. It's not just about him physically. I think being in the dressing room before that, you know, motivating people, getting them going, that's what Steven Gerrard's all about. He's a leader and we need them leaders even when they're not producing their best on the pitch, we need them in there. But without doubt, it's how the manager treats him and all that, you know. I think he's got another two years left in him."