Liverpool FC legend Steven Gerrard is to receive the Freedom of the City of Liverpool.

The city’s highest civic honour is to be presented to Steven for his contribution to football and his charity work which helps disadvantaged children across the UK.

Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson’s nomination is expected to be formally agreed on 18 January at a Liverpool City Council meeting, with the ceremony taking place later in the year.

Steven, who played 710 times for the Reds, winning nine trophies including most famously the UEFA Champions League in 2005, says he was “stunned and overwhelmed” when he heard his name had been put forward to receive the honour.

He adds: “Liverpool is my home city and so to be acknowledged in this way leaves me speechless. To even think about getting such an award makes me feel very humble and of course immensely proud.”

Mayor Anderson says: “The Freedom of Liverpool is a special honour and one which we award only to exceptional individuals.

“Steven has had a fantastic career and is widely regarded as one of the most successful midfielders of his generation. But it’s not just his sporting excellence which has made him the icon he is today.

“Whether you’re a red or blue, I’m sure everyone will agree he is a fantastic ambassador for the city and his charity work has made a huge difference to thousands of young people, particularly disadvantaged children in Liverpool.”

Also nominated is Tony McGann, chair of the Eldonian Community Based Housing Association, who successfully campaigned for the regeneration of the local neighbourhood in Vauxhall in the 1970s.

The Eldonian Community Based Housing Association is also among a number of organisations being recommended to be added to the Freedom Roll of Association alongside event promoter Cream which formed in Liverpool in the early 1990s.

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