Liverpool legend John Aldridge cannot understand the timing of Steven Gerrard's departure announcement.

Aldo wrote in the Sunday World: "There has been blanket coverage of this news on TV and radio in the last couple of days and now that the dust is beginning to settle, a couple of questions remain unanswered.

"I don't understand the timing of this announcement. Why let everyone know Gerrard is leaving now and turn the next few weeks into a mini-farewell tour that could distract from the team's efforts to get back into the Champions League, either via a top-four finish or by winning the Europa League?

"There is still another good year left in Gerrard's legs at the highest level, but I would guess he has looked at the situation, realised he has no chance to win the Premier League title with Liverpool over the next couple of years and decided to have a different experience to round off his playing days."