Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel has admitted that he was "shocked" to find out that the club's captain Steven Gerrard will not be at Anfield next season.

The 34-year-old midfielder announced last week that he will call time on his 25-year Liverpool career in the summer when he moves to the United States to play for an MLS club.

"I was shocked, to be honest," Skrtel told the Liverpool Echo. "He's been here for such a long time and when he's not here after this season it's going to be different. It won't be the same.

"It will be difficult without him. He's the leader on the pitch. He's a great player and a nice guy as well. We will miss him both on and off the pitch. It will be really difficult to replace him."

Widespread reports have claimed that Gerrard, who will be a free agent at the end of the season, will sign an 18-month contract with Los Angeles Galaxy.