Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard is relishing playing in his final Premier League Merseyside derby. Gerrard has been the target of abuse from the blue half of the city from almost the moment he made his debut in 1999.
Only Ian Rush has scored more Liverpool goals against Everton than the 34-year-old and Gerrard accepts his summer departure to the Los Angeles Galaxy does not mean Toffees fans will change their stance.
"I doubt it very much," he said. "We'll have to wait and see on that one.
"I had some stick from an Everton fan yesterday but it is part of my life living in this city.
"I love the banter with Everton fans. It's what it's all about. It's about rivalries and big games of football.
"I'm up for all that. I don't mind it at all. Bring it on, as far as I'm concerned.
"It will be my last derby and it will be someone else's turn to be in the spotlight.
"It becomes Jordan Henderson's problem (as he is likely to succeed Gerrard as captain) and Jon Flanagan's problem (as a local lad) because the Everton fans will soon turn on them."
"I've got respect for all the Everton players and the Everton fans," Gerrard told LFC TV.
"I think they're a terrific football club but, once that whistle goes, I want to beat them. That's a good problem for me.
"It's the fixture that I look for at the beginning of the season.
"I love playing against Everton. I've got friends and family members who are big Blues and it's all about the bragging rights in the city.
"I'll focus on (Saturday's game) exactly how I have done in the previous derbies I've played in.
"It's a bit different from a normal league game, but I'm looking forward to that one and hopefully I can add to my good derby record."
