Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers says his skipper Steven Gerrard may be "the best player to have ever played in the Premier League" and suggested he can still play at the highest level of the game for another two years.
Rodgers confirmed on Monday that Gerrard had been offered a deal to extend his 16-year stay at the club when his current contract expires at the end of this season, but his manager clearly feels he has more to offer after he claimed his 34-year-old skipper has the staying power to play for another couple of years.
However, Rodgers expects Gerrard to take his time as he weighs up his options at the back end of his career, with some media outlets in England linking the former England captain with a move to Major League Soccer in the U.S.
"I love working with Steven Gerrard, he's arguably the best player who's ever played in the Premier League," Rodgers told reporters.
"I've enjoyed every single minute of working with him here and I hope that continues, but I need to give him the opportunity to think as long as it takes in order to decide what he wants to do next.
"He's had 16 incredible years here and I believe he can continue to work at this level for the next couple of years.
"Everyone knows his history at this club. What a player he has been and still is. I see his talent every day and just need to manage that and think how it can be most effective. I love working with Steven Gerrard and I hope that continues."
Gerrard issued a brief statement on his social media account last Sunday dismissing rumours that he had fallen out with Rodgers after being left on the bench for Saturday's home game against Stoke, with his manager insisting he wants him to remain at Anfield.
"I am categorical. I want him to be here, but there is thinking time needed," added Rodgers ahead of his side's Premier League game against Leicester on Tuesday.
"With Steven he is getting to that point of his career and he will speak about the adjustments he needs to make. It is not about me to speak much about that. In time he will make the decision for his career, and we need to respect that."