Shoot! would like to wish former England international midfielder Steven Gerrard many happy returns as he celebrates his 38th birthday this evening.

The Liverpool legend, who signed his first professional contract with the Premier League side back in November 1997, went on to score 186 goals in 710 appearances in all competitions for The Reds until the summer of 2015.

Gerrard, who signed for Major League Soccer side Los Angeles Galaxy after his Reds career before hanging up his boots in November 2016, lifted 11 honours at Anfield – the UEFA Champions League, one UEFA Cup, two FA Cups, three League Cups, one UEFA Super Cup and an FA Community Shield.

As well as countless individual awards during his heroic performances for Liverpool, the central midfielder played 114 times for England, scoring 21 times for his country, and he currently sits fourth on the list of most capped Three Lions internationals of all-time.

Nowadays, Gerrard is preparing for his first season in senior management at Ibrox, after being appointed manager of Scottish Premiership outfit Rangers on a four-year contract earlier this month.

But, for now, we are focusing on his phenomenal past, as Shoot! celebrates Gerrard’s birthday by putting together five of the former Liverpool captain’s most defining moments of his Reds Career in Pictures. Enjoy!

Three’s a Crowd

It wasn’t until the 2000-01 season until Gerrard got his hands on his first piece of silverware with Liverpool. You wait years for your first, then three come along at once!

The Reds secured a ‘treble’ that term, as Gerard Houllier’s side won the the UEFA Cup, the FA Cup and the League Cup.

Gerrard started the League Cup final triumph over Birmingham City at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, as The Reds won 5-4 on penalties following a 1-1 draw after extra-time.

The midfielder played the full 90 minutes as Liverpool defeated Arsenal 2-1 in the FA Cup final, thanks to a late brace from Michael Owen.

And finally, Gerrard scored The Reds’ second strike in their stunning 5-4 win over Alaves in the UEFA Cup final in Dortmund, Germany.

Miracle of Istanbul

Who could forget Liverpool’s remarkable comeback in the 2005 UEFA Champions League final?

Three-nil down at half-time against AC Milan in Istanbul, Captain Gerrard headed home Liverpool’s first goal inside nine minutes of the second period to inspire one of the greatest comebacks in sporting history.

Further strikes from Vladimir Smicer and Xabi Alonso before the hour-mark saw the Premier League side miraculously draw level on terms, before Liverpool won 3-2 on penalties to complete the most sensational turnaround in a European Cup final.

FA Cup Final Screamer

Gerrard scored twice in the 2006 FA Cup final victory against West Ham United, as The Reds went on to claim their second consecutive major trophy on spot-kicks (3-1).

The midfielder set up Djibril Cisse’s strike, before netting a brace in the second-half to force the final into extra-time, including an incredible 35-yard first time equaliser. Rocket! (Watch below)

Hat-Trick Hero

Another memorable moment in Gerrard’s Reds career was his sublime hat-trick against arch rivals Everton in March 2012.

The skipper netted all three goals in the Merseyside Derby at Anfield, as Kenny Dalglish’s side ruined David Moyes’ 10th anniversary as Toffees boss, on Gerrard’s 400th Premier League appearance for the club.

Spot-kick King

And finally, yet another great game from the Liverpool captain’s illustrious career was his brace at rivals Manchester United in March 2014.

The Reds icon scored two penalties, and missed another, during Brendan Rodgers’ side’s 3-0 triumph at Old Trafford against the defending league champions, as the visitors moved within four points of then Premier League leaders Chelsea, with a game in hand.

Liverpool went on to miss out on the 2014-15 Premier League title by just two points to Manchester City.