Jamie Carragher waved an emotional goodbye to Liverpool by thanking the Anfield crowd for helping make his career a success.

On his 737th and final appearance for the club before retiring, Carragher helped Brendan Rodgers' side end the season with a 1-0 home victory over relegated Queens Park Rangers yesterday.

The 35-year-old entered the field to a guard of honour before kick-off and was later afforded a standing ovation on his substitution four minutes from time.

Carragher, who had netted only five goals in his career, almost notched a sixth on 62 minutes with a tremendous 30-yard strike that crashed against the post at the Kop end.

And while addressing supporters before the traditional lap of appreciation, Carragher said: "I'd just like to say thanks to everyone here today and everyone who has supported me since I made my debut in '97.

"I scored at the Kop end on my home debut and almost finished it off today!

"I've had lots of great times and have got lots of great memories and that is down to Liverpool Football Club and the supporters who have dragged us over the line many times.

"Istanbul, Cardiff; you've played your part. Thank you."

Rodgers hailed the "unique" impact of Carragher and admitted filling the defensive breach left by the centre-back during the forthcoming transfer window will not be easy.

"I don't think there are many about like him," said the Anfield manager. "What he has got with this club is unique.

"All great players times come to an end. Look at Ian Rush when he left here. Then they brought in John Barnes and Peter Beardsley who brought something else.

"There is not many around like Carra with his quality so we need to find a good one to come in and support the group. It won't be easy.

"He has been first class and we have only lost once since he came into the team. He is a colossal player and at 35 still fit and strong.

"It is with great sadness that he is moving on, but we have to move on."

Rodgers added: "He is a player that, because of his leadership qualities and warrior spirit, a lot of his technical qualities get overlooked.

"I have really been surprised by his technical ability because nobody talked about it. Everybody talks about his blocking and bravery, but he can pass, his cushion headers, weight of pass.

"You talk about British centre-halves not being able to play football but here's someone who's a world-class player who can defend and play.

"He was an incredible player and one of my biggest regrets is that I never had longer to work with him.

"His performance was fantastic today and his ambition was to go out at the top."

Philippe Coutinho scored the only goal of the game midway through the second half to ensure Liverpool ended the campaign with just two defeats in their final 16 games.

Rodgers handed a debut to 17-year-old winger Jordon Ibe, who was just one year and 31 days old when Carragher made his own Liverpool bow in January 1997.

"I thought he did very well," said Rodgers. "It's not easy playing at Anfield, his first game here for the first team. As the game went on he became better and better.

"He's got real potential. He linked up very well with young Coutinho and made some good passes and got some shots off.

"For all the young players, hopefully they'll see from this season that there's hope for them here - that they'll get an opportunity." 

Source: Daily Post