Brendan Rodgers welcomes Steven Gerrard return to Liverpool as coach ahead of Crystal Palace game

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has claimed he would love to bring Steven Gerrard back to Anfield to work as a coach once the legend hangs his boots, but he didn't rule out his potential return on loan.

The captain will play his final home game with the Merseysiders during the visit of Crystal Palace on Saturday 16 May after earlier this season announcing his decision to join MLS side LA Galaxy in the summer.

Speaking during the press conference ahead of the game, Rodgers has claimed this is not a "permanent" leaving as he expects Gerrard will return some day as a coach.

"Steven leaving here isn't permanent, he's somebody I'd love to have working with me when he's finished playing. That opportunity for him to come back will be there for as long as I'm here," the manager said.

Meanwhile asked about possibility of bringing him back on loan from La Galaxy, he responded: "We haven't spoken about it. We'll just see how it pans out really. It's something that may be a possibility later down the line.

The manager also refused to make comments on the summer transfer plans to focus on Gerrard's special last home game.

"Today is not about talking about transfer policy, it's about commemorating the career of a wonderful player. Our focus has been on finishing the season strong. I'll miss him as a man.

"He's made 39 appearances last season and up until now he's made 38 this season. That shows the value I put on him as a footballer. To have him not here will be a hole and he will be missed. He's irreplaceable but we have to keep moving forward as a club and as a team."

The manager then continued the praises of the player, claiming he has become an icon not just for Liverpool FC but for the entire city.

"I asked members of staff if they could describe Steven in one word, what word would that be. It's Liverpool. Not just Liverpool as a football club but Liverpool the supporters and Liverpool the city," he said.

"This is a guy who is very much about the city, about his people. He loves the city. He's had a number of opportunities to move away from here to prestigious clubs but this is his club. He grew up around the corner.

"When it comes to what he's given the city, politicians haven't given the same amount to the city. It's incredible really. He's a wonderful symbol for the people here and is an icon of the club."