Steven Gerrard’s playing career is officially over.

Gerrard, who announced earlier this month that he would not be returning to the

Galaxy’s Steven Gerrard celebrates his first MLS goal against the Earthquakes in a MLS soccer game at the StubHub Center, Friday, July 17, 2015, Carson, CA. The score at halftime was tied 2-2.Los Angeles Galaxy vs. San Jose Earthquakes.Photo by Steve McCrank/Staff Photographer

Galaxy, called it a career Thursday.

“Following recent media speculation surrounding my future I can confirm my retirement from playing professional football.I have had an incredible career and am thankful for each and every moment of my time at Liverpool, England and LA Galaxy,” Gerrard said. “I feel very fortunate to have had the career I’ve had but none of it would have been possible without the support of so many people.

“As a teenager I fulfilled my childhood dream by pulling on the famous red shirt of Liverpool, and when I made my debut against Blackburn Rovers in November 1998 I could never have imagined what would then follow over the next 18 years.”

Gerrard spent xx years with Liverpool before joining MLS and the Galaxy in July of 2015. He spent 12 years as captain and finished with 186 career goals.

Gerrard also made 114 appearances for the England national team.

“I am excited about the future and feel I still have a lot to offer the game,” Gerrard said. “I am currently taking my time to consider a number of options and will make an announcement with regards to the next stage of my career very soon.”

Here is Steven Gerrard’s open letter to Galaxy supporters. It was announced Tuesday that Gerrard will not return to the Galaxy for the 2017 season:

LA Galaxy Supporters –

Over the last year and a half, it has been a privilege to represent the LA Galaxy and play in front of this club’s great fans.

When I left Liverpool, I came to Los Angeles with the goal of helping the LA Galaxy lift another MLS Cup. I am very disappointed to have not achieved that objective, but I can look back at my time at the club with pride at what we accomplished, including two straight playoff appearances and countless memorable moments on the pitch.

I have loved every minute of my time in the States and playing for the LA Galaxy. I am excited to see this league and this great club continue to grow.

As someone who spent the whole of their career in Liverpool, it has been an incredible experience to come to Los Angeles and play for the LA Galaxy. I would like to thank Mr. Anschutz, Dan Beckerman, Chris Klein and Bruce Arena for this opportunity. I would also like to thank my teammates, the coaching staff, the team staff and each and every supporter for their support since I arrived at this club.

To the Galaxy fans at StubHub Center, it has been an honor to play in front of you. From my debut against San Jose to my final match in Colorado, you have shown me amazing support and I will never forget that. I am excited to continue to support the Galaxy going forward and I look forward to seeing you all again in Los Angeles soon.

Los Angeles will always have a special place in my heart. As I depart, I want to thank everyone at the club for making my time here so memorable for me and my family.

Thank you and go Galaxy.

–Steven Gerrard

Welcome to another day of MLS’ favorite soap opera, “As the Galaxy turns”.

Galaxy, who is in preparation for Sunday’s match against Houston,

Former Liverpool star Steven Gerrard practices for the first time with the L.A. Galaxy at StubHub Center in Carson, CA on Tuesday, July 7, 2015. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze)

returned to the practice field this week without Steven Gerrard and Robbie Keane.

Thursday, Gerrard was spotted at Liverpool’s Melwood training groud Thursday by the Mirror.

The Galaxy confirmed Thursday that Gerrard is in England and  dealing with a hamstring issue that will knock him out of Sunday’s crucial match against Houston. The Galaxy begins the week in third place in the Western Conference.  If they finish in either third or fourth, they will host the knockout round game.

“I don’t expect him to be at the game Sunday,” Galaxy coach Bruce Arena said of Gerrard Thursday following training. “He won’t be playing on Sunday …he’ll be back next week. He has a hamstring injury.”

Keane was also absent at training. He was apparently in the training room. On if he expects him to play, Arena said “it remains to be seen.”

ESPN reported that Gerrard would be back on Friday.

“How they hell would they know,” Arena said. “Who cares if he’s back Friday or Saturday or Sunday? Does that really matter?”