'An absolute legend': Former Liverpool players pays tribute to Jamie Carragher Jamie Carragher will leave a huge hole at Liverpool when he retires at the end of the season, according to former team-mate Jason McAteer. Carragher, 35, today announced he will quit football following his 17th Premier League campaign after spending his entire career at the Merseyside club. The former England international, who earned 38 caps for his country, is second only to Ian Callaghan in the club's all-time appearance table with more than 700 Liverpool games under his belt. McAteer, who played alongside Carragher between 1995 and 1999, believes the Reds stalwart will be sorely missed when he does finally hang up his boots for good. McAteer told Sky Sports News: "It's not just a sad day for football but it's a sad day for Jamie Carragher. I'm sure it's not been a decision he's taken lightly. He knuckled down, worked very hard and has become a credit to the game and the football club and that's why it's going to be a sad loss. When you have a player that has been around as long as he has it will leave a hole. However, McAteer remains confident Carragher will remain part of the Liverpool set-up following his retirement. He said: "The club are working closely now with the ex-players. He was very good with the media during the Euros and he knows the game inside out. I'm sure Liverpool won't miss the chance to see him there at the club in come capacity. Robbie Fowler, who had two spells at Liverpool during his career before retiring last year, responded to Carragher's retirement on Twitter. He said: "Sorry to hear the news on carra, his quotes regarding retirement tell you everything about the man... An absolute legend of a player.