Steven Gerrard says he is "devastated" to learn about the death of former Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier.
Houllier, who died on Monday morning aged 73, helped nuture Gerrard's career at Anfield after he came through the Academy ranks and handed him a debut.
In October 2003, it was the great Frenchman who decided to appoint Gerrard as Liverpool's new captain too when the former midfielder was just 23.
Gerrard was a vital part of Houllier's set up with the Reds and proved key when helping his side to a historic treble win in 2001 with FA Cup, League Cup and UEFA Cup victories.
Houllier left Liverpool in 2004 after six years in charge with Gerrard going on to lift the Champions League trophy in Istanbul the following season under Rafa Benitez.
In the dressing room after the match, Houllier went in to congratulate the players and was given some credit for the victory with a majority of the squad having been coached and put together by him.
Gerrard himself is now a manger at Rangers and has previously cited Houllier's influence as being key to his coaching career.
"Devastated to hear the news my former manager Gerard Houllier has passed away," Gerrard wrote on Instagram.
"I will never forget what this man did for me and my career. Rest in peace Boss. YNWA x".
