text: Steven Gerrard leaves his beloved Liverpool at the end of the season after an illustrious career and amazingly club legend Steve Heighway predicted that he'd be a success - in a newspaper article in 1992. The former England captain moves across the pond to MLS side LA Galaxy, where he embarks on a new challenge. A fresh-faced Gerrard was pictured in the paper at just 12-years-old, when he was an up and coming talent in Liverpool's academy. A young looking Steven Gerrard was pictured in the paper alongside the article written in 1992 . 'Outstanding potential has to be recognised and nurtured and Stephen Gerrard, a gem from Huyton, could be the next on our production line. 'He has enormous natural talent and is a Liverpool fan through and through. His attitude to coaching and personal development is a joy to see and our staff are genuinely excited by his prospects. 'Stephen has already been brought to the attention of the FA National Coaching staff as "one for the future" and no effort will be spared to create the right environment for him and his talents to develop at this club.' Heighway, who played for the club for 11 years in 1971, highlighted the importance of 'nurturing' the midfielder and described him as 'outstanding.' The former Ireland player  was reporting on a game between England Schoolboys and Republic of Ireland and cast his eye over a young Gerrard, touting him as a next generation gem. He wasn't wrong as his prediction was the midfielder has gone on to make 499 appearances for his boyhood team, winning a number of major honours. Gerrard is still suspended following his sending off after stamping on Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera in their defeat to their Champions League rivals at Anfield. Steve Heighway (left) described the Livepool captain as 'outstanding' after seeing him play at 12 . Gerrard has become of the most recognised midfielders in the game but will leave the club in the summer .
target: Liverpool great Steve Heighway predicted great things for Steven Gerrard .
  Gerrard was described as 'an outstanding talent' by Heighway .
  The Liverpool captain has become of the clubs greatest ever players .
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