LONDON (AFP) - Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard says he dreams of managing the football club, after revealing that he intends to go into coaching when he hangs up his boots.

The 33-year-old central midfielder signed a new contract during the close season but he says he is beginning to contemplate his future and is thinking of turning his hand to management.

"The dream come true would be to manage Liverpool, when the Liverpool job becomes available," Gerrard told TwentyFour 7 Football magazine.

"There are world-class managers there ready already, but we'll have to wait and see. It would be the icing on the cake.

"When you get to a certain age - my age - you need to start thinking seriously about a life after football. I am planning on doing my badges and qualifications over the next 12 months.

"I definitely see myself as a manager rather than a coach, but that could change."

Gerrard made his Liverpool debut in November 1998 and has since gone on to make over 600 appearances for the Merseyside giants, notably leading them to glory in the Champions League in 2005.

His long-term team-mate Jamie Carragher retired at the end of last season and now works as a pundit for Sky Sports television.

Gerrard says that Carragher had also expressed an interest in coaching, only to decide to pursue a career in the media.

"I remember speaking to Jamie Carragher and he really fancied it, but he's decided media is what he wants to do," the Reds skipper said.

"It'll be strange seeing him on Sky but I'm really delighted he's doing it. He can leave managing Liverpool to me!"