The Liverpool captain and England midfielder paid tribute to his family and colleagues for their support over the years following a Buckingham Palace investiture ceremony where he was made an MBE.
Gerrard, 26, who has won two FA Cups and Uefa and Champions League medals, admitted yesterday's event left him feeling nervous but proud as well.
The footballer said: "I've played in big games with special people but I've never experienced anything like this.
"It's completely different nerves to football. In football I know what I'm going to do but today is a big day and a proud day for me."
Gerrard added: "I think I've done well on the pitch and off. I've got a lovely family and the football is going well, I've achieved a lot but it's early in my career. I'm hungry for more."
The footballer is known for his devotion to Liverpool and his crowning glory was the day he led his team back from the dead in Istanbul when they were 3-0 behind AC Milan in the Champions League in 2005. He scored the first Liverpool goal and drove a beaten side to a miracle victory.
Many are surprised it has taken so long for Gerrard to receive an honour.