Footballer gets university honour

England and Liverpool football player Steven Gerrard has been awarded an honorary fellowship by a Liverpool university.

The 28-year-old, who was awarded the MBE in 2007, was given the honour by Liverpool John Moores University.

It was given to mark the Anfield club captain's contribution to sport.

Gerrard, who said he was proud to receive the honour, had his fellowship conferred during a graduation ceremony at the city's Anglican Cathedral.

He said: "I'm privileged to be standing here today but this wouldn't have been possible without my team-mates at Liverpool Football Club - so a big thank you to them.

"I'm proud to come from this city. I do my best for the city, both on and off the pitch, and I'll keep on doing this."

Speaking earlier, Liverpool John Moores University's (LJMU) Vice-Chancellor Professor Michael Brown said they were "delighted" to welcome him to the university family.

"Steven epitomises the university philosophy of dream, plan, achieve," he said.

"As a young boy he excelled in the sport he loves and ensured his talent was recognised, looking upon challenges as opportunities and pursuing each available avenue.

"As a result he has become one of the best sportsmen in the country, if not the world, with a reputation for integrity both on and off the pitch.

"As a prominent sporting figure and a son of the city, it is fitting that LJMU, an international leader in sports and exercise science and a major contributor to Liverpool's success and growth, should award Steven with this honorary fellowship."

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