Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish has paid tribute to Jamie Carragher after his retirement announcement.

Carra says he would leave the club and retire from professional football after 17 seasons at the end of 2012-13.

"Jamie's decision was a surprise to me - because he has just played as well as anyone against Arsenal and Manchester City," Dalglish told the Liverpool Echo.

"But he knows himself better than anybody, and if he thinks it is time to hang up the old boots, that is totally his prerogative. It is always a difficult decision for a footballer - as hard a decision as you can face as a professional.

"It is more difficult because playing is the best part of your career - especially at the level he has played at and is playing at. That makes it so much more difficult to retire. But it's Jamie's shout, his call.

"I'm just surprised. I thought he had a bit left in him yet.

"The fans hold him in such high esteem because they can relate to him.

"Everyone who has played football has had a bad game at some time but he has never once had a bad attitude. The fans will always stand by you if your attitude is correct - and Jamie's has always been spot on. No one could ever doubt that.

"We just have to be grateful that Liverpool has had a servant like Jamie. As a local boy it is always special and Jamie is a local boy who has never once got carried away with it all and who can relate to the supporters."