Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has paid tribute to former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard following his retirement from football.

Gerrard called time on his illustrious career earlier this week having most notably starred for the Reds, helping the club to eight major trophies including the 2005 Champions League.

A number of respected figures within the game have heaped praise on the 36-year-old since his announcement, and Wenger has added his voice to those talking up Gerrard's qualities.

"I think [Gerrard] had the qualities that every midfielder dreams to have. He could score goals, he could cross the field, he could shoot from distance, he could cross the ball, he could dribble, he had pace, he had commitment, motivation," Wenger told reporters.

"He was a massive player, Steven Gerrard. And on top of that, he was loyal to Liverpool. So that's as well a quality that you don't find a lot nowadays."

Gerrard made 710 appearances for Liverpool, scoring 186 goals.