Steven Gerrard developed a lengthy list of rivals during his near two-decade career as a footballer.

The Liverpool legend officially announced his decision to retire on Thursday after 860 combined career appearances with Liverpool, England and LA Galaxy.

In a lengthy post on his Instagram account, he said: “Following recent media speculation surrounding my future I can confirm my retirement from playing professional football.

“I have had an incredible career and am thankful for each and every moment of my time at Liverpool, England and LA Galaxy.

“I feel very fortunate to have had the career I’ve had but none of it would have been possible without the support of so many people.”

Gerrard won eight major honours at Anfield in 710 appearances and developed on-field rivalries with a whole host of players from the likes of Manchester United, Everton, Chelsea, Arsenal amongst others.

As a Huyton native, the iconic midfielder was born into rivalries with Everton and United, but the ex-Reds skipper was embroiled in titanic battles over the years with the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal in the Premier League, as well as AC Milan in two Champions League finals.

Some he won, some he lost, but Gerrard’s achievements have been recognised by a whole host of former rivals who were keen to give a show of respect to the retiring 36-year-old.

Here’s what some of Gerrard’s greatest foes thought about his decision to hang up his boots.

the most consistent English player!!! And a real captain!!! What a player ??#respect I love this game ahahhahaa

A photo posted by Patrice Evra (@patrice.evra) on Nov 24, 2016 at 9:18am PST

Congratulations to @stevengerrard on an incredible career. A pleasure to play with and against him over the years. A true footballing legend and a great humble man to go with it. Good luck for the future in whatever you choose to do!

A photo posted by Frank Lampard (@franklampard) on Nov 24, 2016 at 10:29am PST

Congratulations on an unbelievable career @stevengerrard ?⚽ Without doubt Stevie is one of the best players I have ever had the privilege of playing both with and against and it was an honour to have played alongside him so many times for England. What a career and what a player. LEGEND ???

A photo posted by John Terry (@johnterry.26) on Nov 24, 2016 at 7:46am PST

Steven Gerrard Congratulations on an amazing career. A player I respect on and off the field. One of the best players I've played against ?? pic.twitter.com/Q5zFmMeVhs

— TIM CAHILL (@Tim_Cahill) November 24, 2016

We were rivals for a long time and we lived unforgettable finals… @stevengerrard congratulations on your incredible career. Football is thankful to you. Happy retirement champion!

A photo posted by Ricardo Kaka (@kaka) on Nov 24, 2016 at 7:01am PST

Respect @stevengerrard

A photo posted by Paolo Maldini official (@paolomaldini) on Nov 24, 2016 at 9:14am PST

I've always said I would have loved to play with this man Steven Gerrard. What a legend and what a career. #Respect #Leader pic.twitter.com/ZcKWLjpoE9

— Thierry Henry (@ThierryHenry) November 24, 2016

? Thank you, Steven Gerrard, for everything you have given to the world of football. You will never walk alone!!! pic.twitter.com/5yYe0ZxZvH

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) November 24, 2016

Can't believe you didn't tell me you were retiring last night @stevengerrard !! Big congratulations on a fantastic career… pleasure to play alongside you for England and against you in the @manchesterunited and #LFC battles! All the best on your next chapter ?? #Gerrard

A photo posted by Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) on Nov 24, 2016 at 8:01am PST

A great rival, a legendary player. Congratulations on your wonderful career and good luck for your future Steven Gerrard! pic.twitter.com/3uIYo2bPwm

— AC Milan (@acmilan) November 24, 2016

A great opponent, a great player that has honored football… Good luck Stevie G! #Gerrard ? Ale #ADP10

— Alessandro Del Piero (@delpieroale) November 24, 2016

Wishing you all the best @stevengerrard … but keep practicing because my German team intends to beat your English team at #theO2arena @starsixes game in #London in July 2017 … ?? ?Imago/BPI

A photo posted by Michael Ballack (@michaelballackofficial) on Nov 24, 2016 at 7:58am PST

I've always said I would have loved to play with this man @stevengerrard. What a legend and what a career. #Respect #Leader

A photo posted by @thierryhenry on Nov 24, 2016 at 7:29am PST

Steven, brilliant player, World legend. Congratulations for what you did for football! #Gerrard ?? pic.twitter.com/zsskrCEnwN

— Javier Zanetti (@javierzanetti) November 24, 2016