Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has expressed his relief at the club's planned redevelopment of Anfield, claiming that remaining at the historic stadium is what it was "all about" for the Reds veteran.

The redevelopment, which will be completed during the 2016-17 season, will increase the ground to 54,000 seats, while a widened player tunnel, new team benches and media platform will also be introduced.

Gerrard is quoted by The Express as saying: "It's very exciting news that we have finally got around to extending Anfield. For me, it was all about staying at Anfield.

"There have been so many unbelievable nights and memories here, it would have been a shame to leave it all and for this to have become houses or apartments.

"Now that they are going to extend the stadium, it's going to become even bigger, better and noisier. Hopefully there are many more fantastic memories to come."

Work is expected to begin on the redevelopment on Monday.