The 34-year-old announced his decision to leave Anfield at the end of this season on Friday and his former team-mate believes it is the right call

Jamie Carragher has backed Steven Gerrard’s decision to leave Liverpool in the summer.

Gerrard on Friday announced he will be departing the club at the end of the season, with a switch to Major League Soccer side LA Galaxy mooted.

And Carragher has given the move his stamp of approval.

“Sad day for Lfc & English football with the Gerrard news, I think it’s the right decision all things considered,” the former defender wrote.

Carragher and Gerrard effectively grew up together, having both come up through the Liverpool academy and they spent 15 years as team-mates in the senior ranks before the former retired in 2013.

Gerrard’s future at Anfield had become a topic for discussion this season with the 34-year-old captain having been left on the bench for key games, while he has also drawn criticism for some of his performances.

The midfielder was dropped for the 16th anniversary of his senior debut in November, while he also missed Liverpool’s away match against Real Madrid in the Champions League.

Gerrard, recalled to the starting XI, scored a double – both from the penalty spot – during Thursday’s 2-2 draw with Leicester City in his 697th senior appearance for Liverpool.