Liverpool will not retire Steven Gerrard's number eight shirt, according to former captain Phil Thompson.

Gerrard will leave the club at the end of this season to join the Los Angeles Galaxy in the MLS, and reports had suggested that his shirt will be retired as a mark of respect.

However, Thompson told Sky Sports News: "I don't think Liverpool would even entertain the idea of retiring the number. There's been some truly legendary players at the club in the past and it hasn't been done for them.

"It's something that is done a bit too prematurely and too easily by certain football clubs, in my opinion, and I don't think the number eight should be retired."

Gerrard has won 10 major trophies with the club.