- by Joe Baker

 Steven Gerrard is not only an icon for Liverpool Football Club, he is a symbol of the city, a person who gives as much to the community as he does on the pitch.

The 34 year-old has given the Kop so many moments to saviour - of joy, happiness and experiences that will go down in history, moments that will be remembered for years and perhaps even centuries. Last season, Gerrard came so close to winning the crown that would have capped off a 15 year-long endearment. And if he had won the Premier League, one must ask the question whether he would have retired there and then?

Five months on after that fateful 3-3 draw with Crystal Palace, he is still a man on a mission, but there must come a time when Gerrard considers winning the league as mission impossible.

Contract talks have not yet begun and the former England international continues to lead and captain his side, despite his deal expiring in June. At the moment, the extrovert and rather extravagant Mario Balotelli is a problem which Brendan Rodgers has to deal with in the present moment, but John. W Henry will be fretting over the possible outcomes if they do not start Gerrard negotiations soon.

Liverpool supporters will be hoping that Gerrard's situation will not pan out the same as Frank Lampard, who left Chelsea after having much the same impact as his fellow England legend. It was deemed that it was best for both parties that Lampard left the club to pursue other areas and avenues in the footballing world. Although he was still seen as a very important player for the Blues, it would have been difficult for him to keep playing regularly in a side where Jose Mourinho was building a new team.

Gerrard, in comparison, is still an integral part of Liverpool, and their midfield doesn't boast the same class as Matic, Fabregas and Ramires. Many potential suitors would welcome Steven if he does decide to leave. A trip aboard might be favourable, maybe Juventus could be tempted and with him alongside Andrea Pirlo, it would add to an already star studded team.

Certainly, if he does end up leaving, the Liverpool faithful will begrudge the fact that the club's hierarchy did not do more to keep him, and the once deemed unthinkable will become a reality.