Former teammates have paid tribute to Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher after he announced his retirement plans.

Stoke City striker Michael Owen, praised Carragher's longevity and service to his only professional club.

"What a servant Carra has been for Liverpool. A rare breed and it's been a privilege to play alongside, room with and be big mates with one of football's real men," he wrote on Twitter.

"I doubt we have heard the last of him. He has too much to offer the game to be away for long!"

Carragher's influence at Anfield will be difficult to replace according to former Red Jason McAteer.

"It's not just a sad day for football but it's a sad day for Jamie Carragher," he said.

"When you have a player that has been around as long as he has it will leave a hole."