Steven Gerrard admits Liverpool must move away from Anfield if they're to re-establish themselves as a European power.

Gerrard said: "As a player I want to be up there competing for every single trophy we can win.

"When you look at Chelsea, Arsenal and United they are all pulling more punters into the ground than we are and it makes a difference to our revenue over the season. We're playing catch up every year.

"I can see the pros and cons in the move but for financial reasons, and to win things, the time's probably come to go for it.

"It will also be a proud moment for me if I get the chance to lead Liverpool into the new era as captain in a new stadium." Writing in 'My Captains Book', Gerrard said: "The big stadium move has been a topic on everyone's lips ever since the club announced their plans.

"In an ideal world, I wouldn't want to move away from Anfield because it's where I used to come to watch Liverpool and it's a ground that has so many happy memories for me as a player too. I've seen and been part of some magical nights there.

"It'll be a sad moment for me when the gates close on the old place.

"The Liverpool supporter in me says I want to stay at Anfield because it's the spiritual home. It's where I came to watch my heroes as a kid and it's where I always dreamed of playing when I was young and kicking a ball about in Huyton.

"It's got this sense of history and tradition about it, and I still feel the same walking down and then up the steps on to the pitch as captain today as I did when I made my first start for the team.

"I don't care who you are. This stadium, when it's rocking, affects visiting players - every team to play here in Europe said the same.

"So with that head on, I'd love us to stay at Anfield, but you've got to look at the bigger picture."