Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has admitted that his career would not be complete if he retires without winning the Premier League with the club.
A Premier League winners' medal is the only club honour missing from the 33-year-old's extensive trophy cabinet as he enters the latter stages of his career.
Speaking about what it would mean to end his career without achieving that goal, Gerrard told ESPNFC: "There'd be a hole missing in my career but I don't think I'd spend the rest of my life being irritated or annoyed or frustrated.
"I don't think that would be fair on myself. (Ever since) I broke into this team at 18 years of age I've tried to win the title but it hasn't happened.
"I've got a couple more chances and I'll continue to fight for it."
The England midfielder admits the major heartbreak in his career was not clinching the title when it was seemingly within reach.
Speaking about what he would change about his career, Gerrard said: "To have a league winner's medal, of course.
"We came so close under Rafa Benítez (in 2008/09 season). We drew a couple of games I think we should have won.
"That's a couple of regrets I have looking back, but I am one who looks forward."
Liverpool are in second place, two points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal going into this weekend, and Gerrard finds himself in with a chance of mounting a serious title challenge.
But talking about the possibility of winning the title this season, he added: "I think it's important for me as captain of the team not to raise expectations.
"When you're talking about winning titles, it's premature, it's too early. I don't want to get anyone's hopes up. That would be unfair.
"Our dream and our plan at the beginning of the season was to break into the top four."
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| Steven Gerrard confesses not winning the Premier League would leave a hole in his career Photo: Getty Images |
A Premier League winners' medal is the only club honour missing from the 33-year-old's extensive trophy cabinet as he enters the latter stages of his career.
Speaking about what it would mean to end his career without achieving that goal, Gerrard told ESPNFC: "There'd be a hole missing in my career but I don't think I'd spend the rest of my life being irritated or annoyed or frustrated.
"I don't think that would be fair on myself. (Ever since) I broke into this team at 18 years of age I've tried to win the title but it hasn't happened.
"I've got a couple more chances and I'll continue to fight for it."
The England midfielder admits the major heartbreak in his career was not clinching the title when it was seemingly within reach.
Speaking about what he would change about his career, Gerrard said: "To have a league winner's medal, of course.
"We came so close under Rafa Benítez (in 2008/09 season). We drew a couple of games I think we should have won.
"That's a couple of regrets I have looking back, but I am one who looks forward."
Liverpool are in second place, two points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal going into this weekend, and Gerrard finds himself in with a chance of mounting a serious title challenge.
But talking about the possibility of winning the title this season, he added: "I think it's important for me as captain of the team not to raise expectations.
"When you're talking about winning titles, it's premature, it's too early. I don't want to get anyone's hopes up. That would be unfair.
"Our dream and our plan at the beginning of the season was to break into the top four."
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