Upon the announcement of former Liverpool and England captain Steven Gerrard's retirement last week, the Reds legendhas been showered in tributes from the football world.
One player in particular that spoke of Gerrard's impact to his career was his successor Jordan Henderson.
Following the 36-year-old's decision to call time on his playing career, Henderson wrote in his column in the Liverpool officialmatchday programme 'This is Anfield' about how important a figurehis former captain has beenin his life.
I still remember the first time I met him as a teammate after I signed. Obviously, I was nervous as anything because he was Steven Gerrard and I was this young kid from Sunderland who'd grown up seeing him as the best player in England and possibly Europe playing in my position.
I have no idea if I managed to hide those nerves or not, but what I do remember is how amazing he wasat welcoming me and making me feel at home and part of this club.
But that was Stevie, someone who had this incredible presence and aura but at the same time able to make you feel at ease and comfortable around him. I was so lucky to have him here as captain when I joined, and he probably has no idea what a positive impact he had in helping me to settle in. I know loads of other players saying exactly the same thing."
In addition to thanking Gerrard, Henderson detailedhis reaction to the news of his former captain's retirement.
"At first, it was shock; even though it shouldn't have come as a surprise. It still rocked me on my heels when I saw it break and read the words ˜Steven Gerrard retires'.
But that soon gave way to gratitude. I'm so incredibly lucky to have played with him, learnt from him and most importantly got to know him as a person.
I could speak all day about his qualities on and off the pitch, but to be honest I know most of that has already been said, and said by better people than me. I remember reading something by Jamie Carragher about Stevie at an event that was held to celebrate his career, 'His biggest strength is that he had no weakness'. I have to say Carra has called it perfectly there.
On the pitch, off the pitch, as a player, a leader, as a man, whatever the public perception is of Stevie it doesn't come close to how good he is in person. I can speak for every player in our dressing-room who played with him that we're all grateful for having had that chance to learn from him.
I think that's the part of this where I feel most fortunate. To have had the opportunity to get to know him and see how he conducts himself on and off the pitch has been priceless for me."