Where next for Steven Gerrard?

By Tom Allnutt, Press Association Sport

Steven Gerrard could have his choice of clubs from all over the world after announcing his decision to leave Anfield at the end of the season.

In a club statement on Friday, Gerrard ruled out joining another Barclays Premier League team or any major continental club, insisting he could never contemplate lining up against his boyhood club competitively.

Here, Press Association Sport takes a look at three possible destinations for the Liverpool captain.

Major League Soccer USA

Gerrard would be the latest in a long line of European stars to head for MLS with the likes of Thierry Henry, Alessandro Nesta, David Villa and Frank Lampard all following David Beckham's lead in signing for teams across the Atlantic. Aside from the temptations of lifestyle and financial benefits, Gerrard could also be sure he would never face Liverpool in a competitive fixture.

The Middle East

A move to the Middle East would undoubtedly represent a step down for Gerrard in terms of standard but if he is looking for a new experience on and off the pitch, a lucrative move to either United Arab Emirates or Qatar could prove the most rewarding. He would be following former Real Madrid striker Raul who joined Qatari side Al Sadd in 2012.

Australia

Former Juventus striker Alessandro Del Piero's switch to Sydney FC in 2012 injected a dose of glamour into the A-League but Gerrard would arguably represent an even bigger coup for soccer in Australia. The Liverpool captain could do wonders for a sport that continues to gain in popularity and he would not be the first former Liverpool man to play Down Under, with Robbie Fowler and Emile Heskey both joining the A-League in recent years.