Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson suggests Steven Gerrard's decision to leave the club has been a surprise to all the players.
The Reds captain will depart Anfield at the end of the season after more than two decades with the Merseyside club and Henderson insists his absence will make a huge impact on the squad.
"We've seen stuff in the newspapers on whether he will renew his contract but everyone thought it would be done," Henderson told BBC's Football Focus.
"But it was a big shock to see that he will be leaving. No one had a clue.
"It will be difficult (to go on without him) because he is such a leader of our group, such a figurehead, and has been for many years. We just have to try and deal with it the best we can."
Gerrard, who will step away from his boyhood club when the current campaign ends, has been linked with a move to Major League Soccer with LA Galaxy and New York Red Bulls both showing considerable interest.
