Gerrard: Kenny will always be my idol

Steven Gerrard today thanked Kenny Dalglish for having such a major influence on his career - and then vowed to do all he can to help inspire a successful new era at Liverpool Football Club. Gerrard admits he was saddened to learn of Dalglish's departure on Wednesday afternoon, but he is now keen to play his part in ensuring the progress made under the Scotsman over the past eighteen months is built on under a new manager over the coming years. "The last 24 hours has been a rollercoaster for me," said the Anfield skipper. "I am very sad to see Kenny leave our club. He is my idol and will always be my idol and I would like to express my thanks and appreciation for what he has done for my career. "My focus now is on doing my best for England in the European Championships and then returning to Liverpool for a new season where we will look to build on the progress of the last 18 months and be competitive at the business end of the Premier League."