Danny Murphy has described Steven Gerrard as the "best" midfielder that he has played alongside in his career.

The former Liverpool captain announced his retirement on Thursday, closing the curtain on a 19-year career.

The 36-year-old made 710 appearances for Liverpool and scored 186 goals in 17 years before joining MLS outfit Los Angeles Galaxy for an 18-month spell.

Murphy played with Gerrard at Anfield for seven years before joining Charlton Athletic in 2004.

"It doesn't surprise me [that he's retiring]," Murphy told talkSPORT. "I was surprised that he went to the MLS after Liverpool, but I think he's made the right decision now.

"He's struggled a bit with injuries recently and he's been in the game a long, long time. He obviously feels it's time, but there'll be new chapters ahead for Stevie.

"What a career. He'll go down in the top three players ever to play for Liverpool - if not the best. Ability-wise he was the best midfielder I've ever seen. He was the best I played with, for sure. He had the ability to do anything on the pitch."

Gerrard has left the door open for what comes next in his career, but he recently turned down the chance to become MK Dons manager.