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Gerrard set for Olympiacos testimonial

Steven Gerrard scored one of the most important goals of his career against Olympiacos © PA Photos

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Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard will have a testimonial against Olympiacos in August, the club have announced.

All proceeds from the match - arranged to celebrate the career of a player who has been associated with the club since he was nine - will go to charity.

Brendan Rodgers' side will face the Greek champions at Anfield on Saturday 3 August, in a fixture which has special significance to Gerrard.

The 32-year-old scored a vital late goal against Olympiacos in a Champions League group stage game in December 2004.

It secured a 3-1 win over the Greek side, giving Liverpool the two-goal margin of victory they needed to reach the knock-out stages.

Under Rafael Benitez, they went on to lift the trophy in Istanbul the following May, coming back from three goals down to beat AC Milan on penalties in one of the most memorable finals in the competition.

Money raised from all events during the England captain's testimonial year will go to the Steven Gerrard Foundation, a registered charity which helps disadvantaged children. Olympiacos will be donating their appearance fee to local charities in Greece.

Gerrard told Liverpool's website: "I am delighted to be honoured by Liverpool with a testimonial match and particularly thrilled that Olympiacos have accepted my invitation to play the fixture.

"Last time we met proved to be such a memorable game both for me personally and Liverpool Football Club.

"I am also especially grateful that Olympiacos have truly embraced the aim of this match and chosen to donate their fee to charity. I am looking forward to what I know will be a fantastic game and a wonderful occasion."

Gerrard signed his first professional contract with Liverpool in 1997, making his first-team debut against Blackburn in November 1998. He has scored 159 goals in 628 games for Liverpool, putting him joint-eighth on the club's all-time appearance list.

Olympiacos president Evangelos Marinakis said: "It is an honour and a great pleasure to participate in Steven's testimonial match against Liverpool, which shows yet again how the world of football can work together to build a bright future for the children and the young people of our society."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.