Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard admits he is frustrated by the side's failure to challenge for the Premier League title this season. The Reds are currently languishing in seventh spot, 12 points behind leaders Chelsea, after an indifferent campaign to date.
Rafa Benitez's men find themselves in a battle to finish in the top four rather than competing for the Premier League crown and Gerrard admits they have failed to live up to expectations this term.
"It's frustrating to be where we are in the league now because this was meant to be the year where we were going to be right up there all the way through," said Gerrard.
"It would mean everything to win it. It's frustrating not to have it already and I've come close on a couple of occasions.
"I will continue to fight for the Premier League from now until I stop playing. Hopefully I can add it to my collection because it would round a fantastic career off.
"It would be extra special if I could do it as captain in the next couple of years. I'm not sure how long I'm going to be captain for - probably another two or three years. If not as captain, then hopefully I can still lift it as a Liverpool player.
"Now, though, it's important for us to try to get back up to the top of the table."
Gerrard, who turns 30 in May, admits time is running out for him if he is to fulfil his dream of winning the title and bringing the championship back to Anfield for the first time since 1990.
"I've been around for 11 years and I'm getting towards the 30 years of age mark now, so I'm running out of time," added Gerrard. "I want to make the most of the next four or five years.
"I've still got many more ambitions and dreams that I want to fulfil before I finish."
Gerrard, who made his 500th appearance for the club against Blackburn at the weekend, admits he does not see himself as a Reds legend despite his Champions League final and FA Cup final heroics.
"I don't think I'm a Liverpool legend," noted Gerrard. "You can only call players legends when they've finished and you look back on their careers and they have been successful or a top player throughout.
"A lot of people give the legendary status out too early for my liking. I don't see myself as a legend - I see the likes of Dalglish, Hansen and Rush as legends.
"They have been there and done it. Hopefully one day I can look back on what I've achieved and can say I'm a part of the legends at this club, but I certainly wouldn't put myself in that bracket now."
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