Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard has said he could leave his career-long club at the end of the season.
Gerrard, 34, a one-club man, joined the Anfield club’s academy at the age of nine and is just some few matches away from his 700th appearance in all competitions.
The former England skipper, who has featured in all nine of Liverpool’s matches so far, is out of contract at the end of the season.
But after missing out narrowly on a maiden Premier League title last season, and with Liverpool trailing leaders Chelsea by nine points heading into this weekend’s round of matches, Gerrard has cast doubt on his future at Merseyside.
“I can only worry about this season because I’m only contracted until May,” Gerrard said in an interview with the Daily Mail. “As it stands at the moment, I’m here until the end of the season and want to make the most of it. I certainly won’t be retiring this summer. I will play beyond this season.
“We will have to wait and see if that’s at Liverpool or somewhere else. That’s Liverpool’s decision. If they don’t come then I will see what’s out there.”
Meanwhile Gerrard defended Balotelli, who has scored just two goals in 12 appearances and none in seven English Premier League matches since since his £16m pre-season move from AC Milan.
“He just needs time to score the goals he needs to prove to people he is worthy of staying here,” Gerrard said. “I am not going to judge him after ten games. To come in after Suarez was always going to be a big ask and he’s not feeling sorry for himself.
“He is working hard, doing extra shooting sessions. I’ve actually been impressed (with) the way he goes about his work. You hear all kinds of stories and rumours before you meet him, but he does all the work. I like the guy.”
