Steven Gerrard will make a "great manager," former Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier has told BBC Sport.
Gerrard, 34, will play his final match at Anfield on Saturday against Crystal Palace, when he will receive a guard of honour, ahead of his summer move to the LA Galaxy.
Houllier, who led Liverpool to a UEFA Cup, FA Cup and League Cup treble in 2001, gave Gerrard his senior debut in 1998.
And the Frenchman said: "He will make a great manager because he has always put the team first.
"He has got everything it takes to think about the team, the club and the development of others.
"He is a natural born leader, a very inspirational leader. He is somebody you want to follow."
Former New York Red Bulls sporting director Houllier also believes Gerrard will thrive in MLS, as he follows in the footsteps of former England teammate David Beckham in making the move to the United States during the latter stages of his career.
"He will be as much in the heart of the Galaxy fans as Beckham was," Houllier said. "Stevie was a world-class player and makes your team win.
"The MLS is very lucky to get him. He will be extremely successful there. He will come back to Liverpool in some capacity, I'm sure he will.
"Maybe not in the coming years but sooner or later he will come back."