Steven Gerrard said he was "devastated" to end his Anfield career as he paid tribute to Liverpool's supporters after playing his final Premier League home match on Saturday.
Despite Adam Lallana's opener Liverpool fell 3-1 to Crystal Palace, who got goals from Jason Puncheon, Wilfried Zaha and Glenn Murray late on to seal the win.
However, the day belonged to former England captain Gerrard, who at the end of the season will head to the United States to play for the LA Galaxy.
"It felt very strange. As I say I have been dreading this moment and the reason being because I will miss it so much," Gerrard said on the pitch after the game. "I've loved every minute of it and I'm absolutely devastated I'll never play in front of these fantastic supporters again.
"First and foremost I'd like to thank everyone at the club who has helped me in the last 17 years.
"I'd like to thank all my teammates today, all the ex-players who I have played with over the years -- they have made me the player I am.
"I'll save my last thank you for these supporters -- they stand out. Just before I go, before the tears come, I've played in front of most supporters around the world but let me tell you, you're the best."
The whole day had been geared up to celebrating the career of one of the club's greatest, if not the greatest, players ahead of his summer move. From the pre-match playlist, which included the likes of The Stranglers' "No More Heroes," REM's "End of the World," Echo and the Bunnymen's "Nothing Lasts Forever," to the guard of honour and two mosaics in the crowd -- "SG 8" in the Kop and "Captain" in the Lower Centenary Stand -- this was all about one man. A man Liverpool will find it impossible to replace.
But it is a mark of the man that he has never lost his humility or forgotten where he came from. He was not even last to leave the pitch, quietly slipping down the tunnel after posing for photographs with teammates, friends and family.
Asked about his favourite Anfield moment, Gerrard said: "It is very difficult to pick one. The first time I ran out was the moment I will never forget. The first time you play for Liverpool is a dream come true, everything else was a bonus for me.
"The club is in good hands. It has got a fantastic manager in Brendan [Rodgers], there's unbelievable potential in the squad and I'm sure that there will be some new signings in the coming weeks.
"I look at the players in front of me -- I love them to death and wish them every luck."
Gerrard added, speaking to Sky Sports 1: "We found it hard to get going. I played a holding role, they stifled us, towards the end we gambled and went for it. Credit to Crystal Palace.
"I have been preparing for it all week. It's not going to be the same, hopefully I can enjoy my football for the next couple of years and hopefully come back one day.
"I will reflect for a few years and hopefully stay involved in the game. I love it."