I assume it will be similar to Sami's last game with a giant display/banner and all that. Also I'm sure we'll get 90 minutes of "A team of Carraghers."
Anything else planned that we know of?
Anything else planned that we know of?
Plans for Carra's last game?
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Thank goodness we're starting Carra and getting a chance to see him play for the last time, and give him a proper, long rousing sending off throughout the game. I still think Hyppia should've started or played at least one half of his final game against Spurs.
Thank goodness we're starting Carra and getting a chance to see him play for the last time, and give him a proper, long rousing sending off throughout the game. I still think Hyppia should've started or played at least one half of his final game against Spurs.
Carra: You'll not see me crying
One game to go, how are you feeling about retirement now?
People keep asking me, the answer will come after the game. We just want to concentrate on the game; I'm looking forward to getting my tickets sorted and hopefully get a win, then I can look back and give you a better answer.
Have you, at any time, reconsidered retirement or has Brendan asked you to reconsider?
No, not really. We've had a couple of chats about different things over the season, not just since I made my decision. The more I've been in the team, the more I've wanted to stick with my decision and go out playing. I've been quite fortunate really that at the time that I announced it, I kept myself in the side. I can go out playing, which is something I'd prefer rather than maybe stay another year and be in the stand, on the bench or wherever it may be.
What will be the best memory of your Liverpool career?
Istanbul, nothing will beat that - the Champions League final. There's no point going over the game, I think we all know what happened that night. It's difficult to ever top that.
What was it like, that feeling, to lift the European Cup?
We've never won the league, which is a disappointment; if we'd have won that maybe I could have compared the two. We've won FA Cups, Carling Cups, the UEFA Cup but nothing compared to the Champions League. It's the biggest and best trophy that you can win as a footballer in club football. It's what we achieved.
Given the step you're taking after your football career, does it rule out management or is that something you're still looking at in the future?
I've never ruled anything out or in. I've gone down this road for a couple of years, I'll see if I enjoy it or if I'm any good at it, and see where it takes me. I've been playing football all my life and I'm looking forward to doing different things, and seeing where it takes me.
How emotional are you going to be at the weekend?
I won't be crying, put it that way!
Are you somebody who might have a 'Wish I could have...' when you retire?
I wish I'd have won the league. But you've given it everything and done as much as you can in terms of what you put into it. It's a team game; there are different managers and coaches who have helped you along the way, you do your best. I've done alright.
You've been part of a close-knit family for all of those years - that's a big part of your life that's suddenly going to change...
People automatically think of Anfield, I think of this place [Melwood]. This is where you come every day, this is where I've been coming since I was nine years of age. Anfield is sort of the icing on the cake where you go at the end of the week or every couple of weeks. It's special but this is where you come every day, the people you see; the people on the gate, the girls upstairs in the canteen, Ann on reception who is the only one who has been here longer than me - she's just pipped me. It's probably coming here and the characters and people you meet every day. You'll have to fill that void in your life.
Will the door still be open for you? Do you plan on coming back?
Ask Brendan on Friday, he's the boss. Once you're done, you're done. I'm sure I'll be welcome to come in for my lunch one day and watch training, but I don't think it's something I'll be doing.
When did you first realise it was time to go?
About 12 months ago, the end of the season. I was in and out of the side with Kenny. I was thinking about it in the summer but I had a year to go and a new manager coming in. I knew then it was always going to be my last season.
Going back to your debut, would have you taken then what you have achieved?
If someone had offered me to be here until the end of my career - the trophies, the big games we've played and won, the stadiums I've played in - I'd have bitten their hand off for that. I'm very lucky to have played with some great players, top managers and given the opportunity to experience those wins and sometimes losses. I've very lucky.
You mentioned the league title...why did Liverpool fall short?
Very simple - we weren't good enough, all of us. There's no fancy reason or excuse, other teams in that particular season were better than us. A couple of times we went close but it was Manchester United or Arsenal. It's not something I lose sleep over, I've been very lucky to achieve some of the things I have. If you look at everyone, there's always something someone hasn't done. There's always more to achieve, whatever you've done. I'm pleased with how it's gone.
You and Steven Gerrard always seem to be together - are there any concerns about Liverpool not having that local heartbeat in the team when you've gone?
I'm probably more concerned about who he's going to sit next to on the coach on the way home. I had that problem at the weekend coming back from Fulham when he wasn't there. I was on my own! Every club will say they want to bring players through from the Academy, that's why you have academies and put so much time and money into it. But the players have got to be good enough. If they're good enough, brilliant - get them in there. It's always good to have a few local lads in the side. That's the aim of everyone.
Now that Alex Ferguson has retired at Manchester United, does it give everyone else an opportunity?
I think it does a little bit more, he's obviously been a top manager - his record is there for all to see. They've got another top manager in David Moyes, I'm sure he'll do a great job there. I'm sure everyone is looking at it and seeing how it will go; maybe it will give other people a chance to get in there if there is maybe a bit of uncertainty at the club. But Manchester United are probably aware of that as well so I'm sure they'll be doing everything to stop that.
In terms of the Liverpool you're leaving, are you excited about the future of the club?
I am, I'm always positive about the club. The last few years haven't been great for us, with league positions and missing out on the Champions League. But with the new manager coming in and the run we've been on in the second half of the season, it gives us a lot to look forward to for next season.
How would a 'team of Carraghers' cope in the Premier League?
A lot of 0-0s!
Paul Scholes came back from retirement after half a year - can you see something similar for yourself?
No, I don't think so. The manager has known for a while that I'm retiring, so I'm sure he's got plans in place and different players that he wants to bring in, ideas of what he wants to do.
How did if feel physically when you were suffering cramp in Istanbul?
Not good! It was just one of those things, you've got to play on. Plenty of players have been in that situation and done the same - mine's highlighted because of the magnitude of the game and everyone was watching. I'm not the only player who has had cramp in football and carried on - there are plenty of other players who have done that. It was just part of the game, that's what made it so special. There were lots of different incidents and things going on, I'm just glad to have been part of it.
Who were the players who were inspirational for you during your time here?
When I first got into the side, I'd say John Barnes, he was the captain and a great player - one of the top players to ever play for the club. As I came into the side a bit more I'd say Steven Gerrard, even though he's younger than me. He's an inspiration, not just for younger players. It doesn't matter if it's a younger player or an older player. You watch the way he plays, what he's done for us and how he's won us a few trophies - he's added to my medal collection! I'd say those two.
Defensively, who have you learnt most from?
The best centre-back I played alongside was Sami Hyypia, I thought he was a great player for the club. We've had lots of players but it could also be a coach; we had Phil Thompson here, Benitez was brilliant at setting up defences. He brought my game on a lot in terms of playing at centre-back because that was his expertise - making a team solid. It's difficult to pick one person, I've had a lot of help from a lot of different people.
How did you feel when your position was under pressure?
It gives you motivation, football is a fight really whether it's opposition or sometimes it can be within your own dressing room in terms of getting a place. We're all mates, we're a big squad but when the team goes up, there's only one name that you look for. It's added motivation but if it hadn't have happened I'd have still motivated myself some other way. I've always been that type of lad. It pushed me on and made me a better player.
Have your recent performances made you think you could carry on?
It's made me go the other way, to be honest. It's made me think it is the right time. It's nice that I'm in the side and people are saying I'm doing well and why not stay for another year? It's better than them saying you should have gone a year ago. I prefer it to be like that and get out while it's going well because it can easily change.
How has the game changed during your era?
Anyone who has been in football the amount of time I have, you look from day one until now. There are big changes. The sports science side of it has come on more than anything; doctors, how to train and all this type of stuff. I think that has been the big advance in the game during that time. Four or five years ago, the Premier League was its best - I think it's dipped a little bit at the moment. A few years ago, ourselves, Chelsea and Manchester United were always close to winning the Champions League for two or three years. I think that was the height of the Premier League - hopefully that's something that I'll be able to talk about next season and we get the Premier League back up there. It would be nice to see some more top players coming in and give the league a little bit of a boost.
Rio Ferdinand has announced his England retirement today. Do you look back and think it would be nice to have had a few more games at that level?
I wish he'd have retired years ago, I might have got a few more games! He's been a great player, he's retired from England. He's a similar age to me so it was always going to come up at one time or another. Him and John Terry were the cornerstones of the England side for 10 years and it was just timing really - it was difficult for me to get in. They're two great players and I wish them well.
Is there anything you won't miss about being a professional player?
The feeling when you get beat, but I suppose I'll have that as a fan - watching and I won't be able to do anything about it if results aren't going well for Liverpool. So that feeling after a defeat, you're pretty low for a few days.
A new documentary featuring Jamie Carragher's managers, teammates and some high-profile opponents airs for the first time at 7pm BST on Friday, May 24 on LFC TV. 'Carragher' will also be available on LFC TV Online and will conclude a fortnight of tributes across club media.
15th May 2013 - Latest News
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One game to go, how are you feeling about retirement now?
People keep asking me, the answer will come after the game. We just want to concentrate on the game; I'm looking forward to getting my tickets sorted and hopefully get a win, then I can look back and give you a better answer.
Have you, at any time, reconsidered retirement or has Brendan asked you to reconsider?
No, not really. We've had a couple of chats about different things over the season, not just since I made my decision. The more I've been in the team, the more I've wanted to stick with my decision and go out playing. I've been quite fortunate really that at the time that I announced it, I kept myself in the side. I can go out playing, which is something I'd prefer rather than maybe stay another year and be in the stand, on the bench or wherever it may be.
What will be the best memory of your Liverpool career?
Istanbul, nothing will beat that - the Champions League final. There's no point going over the game, I think we all know what happened that night. It's difficult to ever top that.
What was it like, that feeling, to lift the European Cup?
We've never won the league, which is a disappointment; if we'd have won that maybe I could have compared the two. We've won FA Cups, Carling Cups, the UEFA Cup but nothing compared to the Champions League. It's the biggest and best trophy that you can win as a footballer in club football. It's what we achieved.
Carra meets the press
The video you selected is only available to LFCTV Online members. You are now watching our Preview video, login or click here to sign up.Given the step you're taking after your football career, does it rule out management or is that something you're still looking at in the future?
I've never ruled anything out or in. I've gone down this road for a couple of years, I'll see if I enjoy it or if I'm any good at it, and see where it takes me. I've been playing football all my life and I'm looking forward to doing different things, and seeing where it takes me.
How emotional are you going to be at the weekend?
I won't be crying, put it that way!
Are you somebody who might have a 'Wish I could have...' when you retire?
I wish I'd have won the league. But you've given it everything and done as much as you can in terms of what you put into it. It's a team game; there are different managers and coaches who have helped you along the way, you do your best. I've done alright.
You've been part of a close-knit family for all of those years - that's a big part of your life that's suddenly going to change...
People automatically think of Anfield, I think of this place [Melwood]. This is where you come every day, this is where I've been coming since I was nine years of age. Anfield is sort of the icing on the cake where you go at the end of the week or every couple of weeks. It's special but this is where you come every day, the people you see; the people on the gate, the girls upstairs in the canteen, Ann on reception who is the only one who has been here longer than me - she's just pipped me. It's probably coming here and the characters and people you meet every day. You'll have to fill that void in your life.
Will the door still be open for you? Do you plan on coming back?
Ask Brendan on Friday, he's the boss. Once you're done, you're done. I'm sure I'll be welcome to come in for my lunch one day and watch training, but I don't think it's something I'll be doing.
When did you first realise it was time to go?
About 12 months ago, the end of the season. I was in and out of the side with Kenny. I was thinking about it in the summer but I had a year to go and a new manager coming in. I knew then it was always going to be my last season.
Going back to your debut, would have you taken then what you have achieved?
If someone had offered me to be here until the end of my career - the trophies, the big games we've played and won, the stadiums I've played in - I'd have bitten their hand off for that. I'm very lucky to have played with some great players, top managers and given the opportunity to experience those wins and sometimes losses. I've very lucky.
You mentioned the league title...why did Liverpool fall short?
Very simple - we weren't good enough, all of us. There's no fancy reason or excuse, other teams in that particular season were better than us. A couple of times we went close but it was Manchester United or Arsenal. It's not something I lose sleep over, I've been very lucky to achieve some of the things I have. If you look at everyone, there's always something someone hasn't done. There's always more to achieve, whatever you've done. I'm pleased with how it's gone.
I'm probably more concerned about who he's going to sit next to on the coach on the way home. I had that problem at the weekend coming back from Fulham when he wasn't there. I was on my own! Every club will say they want to bring players through from the Academy, that's why you have academies and put so much time and money into it. But the players have got to be good enough. If they're good enough, brilliant - get them in there. It's always good to have a few local lads in the side. That's the aim of everyone.
Now that Alex Ferguson has retired at Manchester United, does it give everyone else an opportunity?
I think it does a little bit more, he's obviously been a top manager - his record is there for all to see. They've got another top manager in David Moyes, I'm sure he'll do a great job there. I'm sure everyone is looking at it and seeing how it will go; maybe it will give other people a chance to get in there if there is maybe a bit of uncertainty at the club. But Manchester United are probably aware of that as well so I'm sure they'll be doing everything to stop that.
In terms of the Liverpool you're leaving, are you excited about the future of the club?
I am, I'm always positive about the club. The last few years haven't been great for us, with league positions and missing out on the Champions League. But with the new manager coming in and the run we've been on in the second half of the season, it gives us a lot to look forward to for next season.
How would a 'team of Carraghers' cope in the Premier League?
A lot of 0-0s!
Paul Scholes came back from retirement after half a year - can you see something similar for yourself?
No, I don't think so. The manager has known for a while that I'm retiring, so I'm sure he's got plans in place and different players that he wants to bring in, ideas of what he wants to do.
How did if feel physically when you were suffering cramp in Istanbul?
Not good! It was just one of those things, you've got to play on. Plenty of players have been in that situation and done the same - mine's highlighted because of the magnitude of the game and everyone was watching. I'm not the only player who has had cramp in football and carried on - there are plenty of other players who have done that. It was just part of the game, that's what made it so special. There were lots of different incidents and things going on, I'm just glad to have been part of it.
Who were the players who were inspirational for you during your time here?
When I first got into the side, I'd say John Barnes, he was the captain and a great player - one of the top players to ever play for the club. As I came into the side a bit more I'd say Steven Gerrard, even though he's younger than me. He's an inspiration, not just for younger players. It doesn't matter if it's a younger player or an older player. You watch the way he plays, what he's done for us and how he's won us a few trophies - he's added to my medal collection! I'd say those two.
Classic LFCCTV: Carra v Milan
The video you selected is only available to LFCTV Online members. You are now watching our Preview video, login or click here to sign up.Defensively, who have you learnt most from?
The best centre-back I played alongside was Sami Hyypia, I thought he was a great player for the club. We've had lots of players but it could also be a coach; we had Phil Thompson here, Benitez was brilliant at setting up defences. He brought my game on a lot in terms of playing at centre-back because that was his expertise - making a team solid. It's difficult to pick one person, I've had a lot of help from a lot of different people.
How did you feel when your position was under pressure?
It gives you motivation, football is a fight really whether it's opposition or sometimes it can be within your own dressing room in terms of getting a place. We're all mates, we're a big squad but when the team goes up, there's only one name that you look for. It's added motivation but if it hadn't have happened I'd have still motivated myself some other way. I've always been that type of lad. It pushed me on and made me a better player.
Have your recent performances made you think you could carry on?
It's made me go the other way, to be honest. It's made me think it is the right time. It's nice that I'm in the side and people are saying I'm doing well and why not stay for another year? It's better than them saying you should have gone a year ago. I prefer it to be like that and get out while it's going well because it can easily change.
How has the game changed during your era?
Anyone who has been in football the amount of time I have, you look from day one until now. There are big changes. The sports science side of it has come on more than anything; doctors, how to train and all this type of stuff. I think that has been the big advance in the game during that time. Four or five years ago, the Premier League was its best - I think it's dipped a little bit at the moment. A few years ago, ourselves, Chelsea and Manchester United were always close to winning the Champions League for two or three years. I think that was the height of the Premier League - hopefully that's something that I'll be able to talk about next season and we get the Premier League back up there. It would be nice to see some more top players coming in and give the league a little bit of a boost.
Rio Ferdinand has announced his England retirement today. Do you look back and think it would be nice to have had a few more games at that level?
I wish he'd have retired years ago, I might have got a few more games! He's been a great player, he's retired from England. He's a similar age to me so it was always going to come up at one time or another. Him and John Terry were the cornerstones of the England side for 10 years and it was just timing really - it was difficult for me to get in. They're two great players and I wish them well.
Is there anything you won't miss about being a professional player?
The feeling when you get beat, but I suppose I'll have that as a fan - watching and I won't be able to do anything about it if results aren't going well for Liverpool. So that feeling after a defeat, you're pretty low for a few days.
A new documentary featuring Jamie Carragher's managers, teammates and some high-profile opponents airs for the first time at 7pm BST on Friday, May 24 on LFC TV. 'Carragher' will also be available on LFC TV Online and will conclude a fortnight of tributes across club media.
Carra picks Anfield playlist for QPR game
Every home game we ask supporters to choose the songs that will be played at Anfield before kick-off and at half-time - but to mark the end of his brilliant career, we're allowing Jamie Carragher to do the honours this Sunday.
Bootle's finest kicks off his playlist with a Beatles classic - but he's also include a song by one of Manchester's finest bands.
Carragher's pre-match playlist:
The Beatles - In My Life
Oasis - Don't Look Back In Anger
Bruce Springsteen - Dancing in the Dark
Carragher's half-time playlist:
The Killers - Mr Brightside
Paul Simon - The Boxer
Every home game we ask supporters to choose the songs that will be played at Anfield before kick-off and at half-time - but to mark the end of his brilliant career, we're allowing Jamie Carragher to do the honours this Sunday.
Carra has chosen three songs to be played prior to the players coming out versus QPR and another two to be heard at half-time.Bootle's finest kicks off his playlist with a Beatles classic - but he's also include a song by one of Manchester's finest bands.
Carragher's pre-match playlist:
The Beatles - In My Life
Oasis - Don't Look Back In Anger
Bruce Springsteen - Dancing in the Dark
Carragher's half-time playlist:
The Killers - Mr Brightside
Paul Simon - The Boxer
Liverpool FC @LFC#thankscarra
33m
Alex Ferguson: "He's absolutely a player I admire. He's the epitome of a loyal, dedicated player. I loved him." 
It's sad how many great players in the past left the club without any send-off. They just seemed to 'go'. There's a bit of hypocrisy in some of the Carra tributes - Thierry Henry, for example, hails him now as a great, but used to tell any fellow striker to concentrate on Carra 'because he's the weak link' - but he deserves a proper celebration.
I was going to quit at Christmas, says Jamie Carragher as he prepares for final LFC flourish
16 May 2013 08:00
I want to sign off with a win - I just wish Stevie was playing reveals Reds legend as he prepares for final game on Sunday
Jamie Carragher
JAMIE CARRAGHER is on a mission to sign off his Liverpool FC career with victory against Queens Park Rangers on Sunday – as he reveals his only regret is that he won’t have Steven Gerrard alongside him at Anfield.
The ECHO understands that both teams will form a guard of honour for Carragher before kick-off, while a mosaic on the Kop will pay tribute to the long-serving defender. There will also be a special presentation made to him after the game.
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Steven Gerrard, who is recovering from shoulder surgery, will be there to watch his close friend take his final bow.
“I’m not the emotional type. I don’t get upset – that’s not me,” Carragher said.
“But it will be a big day as I’ve got a lot of great memories at Anfield. I’m just concentrating on the game itself and I want to make sure we finish the season with three points.
“I would have loved to have Stevie alongside me for this one. He would probably have let me be captain anyway.
“It’s strange to think that I won’t ever play alongside Stevie in a competitive game again. I suppose it’s the end of an era in that sense.”
Liverpool FC great Jamie Carragher
THIS is the way Jamie Carragher wanted it to be. On Sunday the Kop legend will lead Liverpool out on an emotionally charged afternoon at Anfield. The visit of Queens Park Rangers will bring the curtain down not only on this season but on an illustrious career.
A capacity crowd will stand to applaud the contribution of one of the greatest servants in the club’s 121-year history.
Carragher’s 737th appearance for the Reds – a total only bettered by Ian Callaghan (857) – will be his last. The void created by his retirement will be vast as he adheres to the old adage of always leaving them wanting more.
Just a few months ago the Bootle-born defender feared the reality of his exit from Anfield would be very different.
Carragher had decided last summer that his 17th campaign of Premier League duty would be his swansong, but by the midway point of this season he was seriously considering packing in early.
He had started just one league game under Brendan Rodgers before Christmas and the prospect of continuing to warm the bench led him to reassess.
“I knew at the start of the season this would be my last season and I told the manager that,” Carragher said.
“Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel were umming and ahhing about whether they would be staying but they both ended up signing new contracts so I knew I wasn’t going to be first choice at that stage.
“The new manager was always going to go with them, but I saw the Carling Cup and the UEFA Cup as a way to get games in.
“But in the second half of the season I was worried. I was looking and thinking ‘where am I going to get games here?'
Liverpool FC footballer Jamie Carragher
“Around Christmas I spoke to the manager then about calling it a day. I knew he would go stronger in the UEFA Cup the further we went so I wouldn’t have those games and we were out of the Carling Cup.
“We had a chat about it. Brendan has never tried to change my mind. He has always respected my thoughts as I know myself and my body better than anyone. I decided to keep going and I’m glad I did.
“After a couple of bad results, I think the manager felt ‘you know what, he trains well every day and has done well in the cup games he’s played so he deserves a go in the league’.
“I never ever caused a problem when I was substitute either under Kenny Dalglish last season or with Brendan.
“I never knocked on his door. The manager will tell you that. I just trained and played games when I was needed. I think the attitude I showed then and the way I conducted myself has got me the rewards of playing in recent months.”
VIDEO: LFC's Jamie Carragher talks to the press ahead of his final game for the club
The recall Carragher craved arrived in mid-January when he was preferred to Skrtel for the visit of Norwich City and didn’t put a foot wrong in a 5-0 triumph.
The 35-year-old has been first choice ever since – starting 14 of the past 15 league matches and only missing the trip to Southampton due to injury.
His consistency has rightly seen him showered with praise but he has never had any second thoughts since the day in February when he announced his retirement. Typically, even the timing of that saw him put the club first.
“After the Norwich game a lot was made about me being back in the side,” he said.
“The manager had spoken about me being vocal at the back and people were questioning him about my future. They were saying ‘well, his contract runs out in a few months so what are you going to do about it?’
“I didn’t want that dragging on. I’ve seen that happen at other clubs – like the Frank Lampard situation at Chelsea.
“I didn’t want it to look like there was a problem between me and the club. Whether they wanted to give me a new deal or not, or whether I wanted to stay on or not, I didn’t want to get involved in all that.
“The deal with Sky Sports to do TV work was there and I didn’t want it to leak out that I was joining them. I wanted to tell people myself.
“I was going to announce it but then I realised there were two big games coming up against Arsenal and Man City. I decided to wait until after them and it worked out perfectly for me. I did quite well in those two games and it was the right time for it to come out.”
Sunday represents the end of an era for a proud one-club man.
He signed his first professional deal in 1996 and made his first team bow the following year.
Life after Liverpool will take some adjusting to but he is convinced the time is right to say farewell.
“People always talk about your career as if it only started when you became famous as a professional,” he said.
“But my football career started when I was six years of age. It will leave a big void. I do love playing football and I’ll certainly be looking for a five-aside team to join.
“I have always wanted to play for Liverpool and I feel very fortunate to have been able to do that throughout my entire career.
“I have never wanted to play for anyone else. I think it’s really good when you look around the world and see players who have only played for one team. I’ve always thought that was really classy.
“When you are playing for a top club who have won lots of trophies why would you want to leave? There was never any reason to and to be honest no-one has ever made a big effort to sign me.
“How do you finish at Liverpool?
There are two ways to go out.
“You either go out not playing, whether that’s on the bench or in the stand, or you go out playing.
“I always wanted to go out playing but I feared I would go out on the bench or in the stand.
“I think I could play for another year but would I be playing every week? The manager will look to strengthen in my position this summer and I couldn’t go back to being a sub again.
“I always wanted to go out with it being my decision, rather than the club saying we’re not going to give you a new contract or they want to move you on or you’re playing in the reserves.
“I intend to enjoy Sunday and go out on a high.”
16 May 2013 08:00
I want to sign off with a win - I just wish Stevie was playing reveals Reds legend as he prepares for final game on Sunday
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JAMIE CARRAGHER is on a mission to sign off his Liverpool FC career with victory against Queens Park Rangers on Sunday – as he reveals his only regret is that he won’t have Steven Gerrard alongside him at Anfield.
The ECHO understands that both teams will form a guard of honour for Carragher before kick-off, while a mosaic on the Kop will pay tribute to the long-serving defender. There will also be a special presentation made to him after the game.
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Steven Gerrard, who is recovering from shoulder surgery, will be there to watch his close friend take his final bow.
“I’m not the emotional type. I don’t get upset – that’s not me,” Carragher said.
“But it will be a big day as I’ve got a lot of great memories at Anfield. I’m just concentrating on the game itself and I want to make sure we finish the season with three points.
“I would have loved to have Stevie alongside me for this one. He would probably have let me be captain anyway.
“It’s strange to think that I won’t ever play alongside Stevie in a competitive game again. I suppose it’s the end of an era in that sense.”
THIS is the way Jamie Carragher wanted it to be. On Sunday the Kop legend will lead Liverpool out on an emotionally charged afternoon at Anfield. The visit of Queens Park Rangers will bring the curtain down not only on this season but on an illustrious career.
A capacity crowd will stand to applaud the contribution of one of the greatest servants in the club’s 121-year history.
Carragher’s 737th appearance for the Reds – a total only bettered by Ian Callaghan (857) – will be his last. The void created by his retirement will be vast as he adheres to the old adage of always leaving them wanting more.
Just a few months ago the Bootle-born defender feared the reality of his exit from Anfield would be very different.
Carragher had decided last summer that his 17th campaign of Premier League duty would be his swansong, but by the midway point of this season he was seriously considering packing in early.
He had started just one league game under Brendan Rodgers before Christmas and the prospect of continuing to warm the bench led him to reassess.
“I knew at the start of the season this would be my last season and I told the manager that,” Carragher said.
“Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel were umming and ahhing about whether they would be staying but they both ended up signing new contracts so I knew I wasn’t going to be first choice at that stage.
“The new manager was always going to go with them, but I saw the Carling Cup and the UEFA Cup as a way to get games in.
“But in the second half of the season I was worried. I was looking and thinking ‘where am I going to get games here?'
“Around Christmas I spoke to the manager then about calling it a day. I knew he would go stronger in the UEFA Cup the further we went so I wouldn’t have those games and we were out of the Carling Cup.
“We had a chat about it. Brendan has never tried to change my mind. He has always respected my thoughts as I know myself and my body better than anyone. I decided to keep going and I’m glad I did.
“After a couple of bad results, I think the manager felt ‘you know what, he trains well every day and has done well in the cup games he’s played so he deserves a go in the league’.
“I never ever caused a problem when I was substitute either under Kenny Dalglish last season or with Brendan.
“I never knocked on his door. The manager will tell you that. I just trained and played games when I was needed. I think the attitude I showed then and the way I conducted myself has got me the rewards of playing in recent months.”
VIDEO: LFC's Jamie Carragher talks to the press ahead of his final game for the club
The recall Carragher craved arrived in mid-January when he was preferred to Skrtel for the visit of Norwich City and didn’t put a foot wrong in a 5-0 triumph.
The 35-year-old has been first choice ever since – starting 14 of the past 15 league matches and only missing the trip to Southampton due to injury.
His consistency has rightly seen him showered with praise but he has never had any second thoughts since the day in February when he announced his retirement. Typically, even the timing of that saw him put the club first.
“After the Norwich game a lot was made about me being back in the side,” he said.
“The manager had spoken about me being vocal at the back and people were questioning him about my future. They were saying ‘well, his contract runs out in a few months so what are you going to do about it?’
“I didn’t want that dragging on. I’ve seen that happen at other clubs – like the Frank Lampard situation at Chelsea.
“I didn’t want it to look like there was a problem between me and the club. Whether they wanted to give me a new deal or not, or whether I wanted to stay on or not, I didn’t want to get involved in all that.
“The deal with Sky Sports to do TV work was there and I didn’t want it to leak out that I was joining them. I wanted to tell people myself.
“I was going to announce it but then I realised there were two big games coming up against Arsenal and Man City. I decided to wait until after them and it worked out perfectly for me. I did quite well in those two games and it was the right time for it to come out.”
Sunday represents the end of an era for a proud one-club man.
He signed his first professional deal in 1996 and made his first team bow the following year.
Life after Liverpool will take some adjusting to but he is convinced the time is right to say farewell.
“People always talk about your career as if it only started when you became famous as a professional,” he said.
“But my football career started when I was six years of age. It will leave a big void. I do love playing football and I’ll certainly be looking for a five-aside team to join.
“I have always wanted to play for Liverpool and I feel very fortunate to have been able to do that throughout my entire career.
“I have never wanted to play for anyone else. I think it’s really good when you look around the world and see players who have only played for one team. I’ve always thought that was really classy.
“When you are playing for a top club who have won lots of trophies why would you want to leave? There was never any reason to and to be honest no-one has ever made a big effort to sign me.
“How do you finish at Liverpool?
There are two ways to go out.
“You either go out not playing, whether that’s on the bench or in the stand, or you go out playing.
“I always wanted to go out playing but I feared I would go out on the bench or in the stand.
“I think I could play for another year but would I be playing every week? The manager will look to strengthen in my position this summer and I couldn’t go back to being a sub again.
“I always wanted to go out with it being my decision, rather than the club saying we’re not going to give you a new contract or they want to move you on or you’re playing in the reserves.
“I intend to enjoy Sunday and go out on a high.”
Fucking hell.
I really hope that Stevie doesn't lamp him.
There's absolutely NO Phil Collins in there.
All good reads. His attitude is absolutely amazing. I hope there are other local lads ready to come through and play a lifetime in the first team and stories like Carra’s are not ‘end of an era’ as well; that would be very sad.
It's a fitting sending off for him; he wouldn't have had it any other way.
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