Steven Gerrard has bid an emotional farewell to Anfield - but the fairytale ending many had wished for did not materialise as his club lost 3-1.

It was a good start for The Reds, with Adam Lallana putting them one up after 26 minutes.

But Crystal Palace spoiled Gerrard's party thanks to a first-half goal from Jason Puncheon, and two from Wilfried Zaha and Glenn Murray in the second half.

Moments before kick-off, Gerrard emerged from the home tunnel for one last time, his three daughters in tow, as fans sang his name.

He was applauded and given a guard of honour by his Liverpool teammates and the Crystal Palace players.

Despite the loss, Gerrard returned to the pitch after the match to soak up more cheers and chants from the adoring supporters.

He told them he had "dreaded" today's farewell and said his favourite memory was the first time he had ever played for the club.

Final season

The Liverpool captain is playing his last season with Liverpool after 17 years. He moves to Los Angeles Galaxy in the summer.

Before the match, Gerrard said he would try to keep his composure on his big day.

"I've loved every minute of my career, I'm proud of what I’ve done," he said.

"I'll have a smile on my face but I think there will be a part of me that's sad and a little bit down that it's all over here at Anfield."

It was the reception from fans at the famous ground that is likely to have had the biggest impact on Gerrard on his final day.

"They've given me incredible support since day one, said the 34-year-old. "They've been there for me throughout this journey.

"I've had some really cruel lows and some incredible highs but their support to me has never changed."

The midfielder and former England international also said it would be tough to leave behind staff at Melwood, Liverpool's training ground, as well as his teammates.

Tributes to Gerrard have come from the game's key figures, including from rival coaches.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho, who tried to sign Gerrard on many occasions, called him a "legend for life", while Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger called him a "fantastic player" and praised him "because he has remained loyal to his club for his whole career".

Gerrard says he wants to finish the season on a high, with another away game to come next week.

"I still feel I want to be involved against Stoke [on 24 May]," he said. "I want to play every minute possible - of course I do."

Fans are already thinking about Gerrard's return to Liverpool, perhaps in a coaching or managerial role when his playing days in the US are over.

But he says he has to earn that right first.

"You never take a role here on reputation or name," he said.

"The demands and the expectations at this football club are so high I think you'd be very naive and stupid to take a role just because you're Steven Gerrard or because you've had a good career on the pitch."

Ray Houghton and Graham Taylor joined Ger to look back of Steven Gerrard's career on today's Off the Ball. You can listen back here.