Gerrard's Anfield farewell

Departing Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard admitted he is devastated he will not play at Anfield again.

The 34-year-old's final appearance at the ground before his summer move to the Los Angeles Galaxy ended in a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Crystal Palace.

Gerrard was at least given a fitting send off, with a guard of honour, mosaics and songs sung in his honour, and he knows he will never again experience such a feeling.

"It felt very strange," he said.

"I've been dreading this moment, I will miss it so much. I have loved every minute and I am devastated that I will not play in front of these supporters again."

Liverpool wasted the chance to end Gerrard's 17-year Anfield career on a high after Adam Lallana's opener was superseded by goals from Jason Puncheon, Wilfried Zaha and Glenn Murray's added time penalty rebound.

"He got a wonderful send off and did everything right until the very end," said manager Brendan Rodgers of his captain.

"The support he got was brilliant and what they would expect of him; he has been a wonderful player and gave his all for the club.

"The result was disappointing. We made poor defensive errors today across the field and got punished at the end of the first half and in the second half we didn't defend well enough.

"Their attacking players posed us problems and we didn't cope well enough."

Palace were well worth their win and manager Alan Pardew was pleased with the way his side coped with the occasion.

"We knew what the narrative was today and the agenda," he said.

"We talked about it and thought it was important we carried the level of importance from Chelsea and Manchester United.

"The only difference today was we probably had a bit more control with (Marouane) Chamakh coming into the team.

"We have missed him. Puncheon was terrific. Those two gave us a level of control. After the first 15 minutes and the mistake we made, we improved."

On Gerrard Pardew added his plaudits, saying: "It is very difficult to put into words what Steven has done for Liverpool.

"I can only speak as a fan and a lover of football for what he has done for England.

"He has carried the nation at times and we should all be honoured to have someone who has conducted himself that way."