Image source, Getty Images

Wasps and former Wales prop John Yapp has announced his retirement from rugby after suffering a back injury.

The 32-year-old made 13 appearances for Premiership side Wasps after signing from Edinburgh in July 2014.

Yapp also won 21 Test caps for Wales, and was part of the squad that won a Six Nations Grand Slam in 2005.

Russell Fuller
BBC tennis correspondent

The world number one Serena Williams has joined Andy Murray in pulling out of the Italian Open.

Williams has an injury to her right elbow which is affecting her serve - but she doesn't think it will be an issue at this month's French Open.

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino has been speaking in the build up to Spurs' home match against Hull on Saturday.

On the retiring Brad Friedel, Pochettino said he hadn't ruled out the 43-year-old making an appearance in Spur's last two games, calling him a "top man" who is a "pleasure to work with".

On Hull: "It's always difficult to play against a team that plays to survive in the Premier League, but for us we need to feel it's important like them, we're playing for fifth or sixth.

"You play for survival, you play for a place in the Europa League, you need to be motivated in the same way."

On where Spurs have fallen short this season: "We need to be more consistent next season, we haven't kept our level of performance and for that we've not achieved the top four. We are sixth because we score a lot of goals but we are there because we concede a lot of goals - we need to find the right balance. We need to improve a lot our defensive situation."

Image source, AFP

Britain's Andy Murray has tweeted, external to explain why he pulled out of the Italian Open today ahead of his third-round match with David Goffin.

"Sorry to everyone for withdrawing from the event today," said Murray, who came into the Italian Open after back-to-back tournament victories in Munich and Madrid, where he defeated Rafael Nadal in the final.

"I always feel bad after making decisions like this but my body is extremely tired and fatigued right now having played 10 matches in the last 12 days.

"I wanted to try to compete in the event but after warming up today I didn't feel able to compete. I hope next year I can come back to Rome and do better."

It's nearly time to say goodbye to goalkeeper Brad Friedel.

Image source, Getty Images

The 43-year-old USA and Tottenham stopper has announced he will end his career this season.

If the American plays in either of Spurs' last two league games he will become the oldest player in Premier League history.

Will Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino give him one final foray?

We'll be hearing from Pochettino very soon, as he previews Saturday's game with Hull.

QPR midfielder Joey Barton has offered his own unique tribute to Steven Gerrard on Twitter., external

"Lots of praise and admiration flying about for Steven Gerrard today and rightly so. A phenomenal career at his boyhood club.

"He's achieved so much. One of his biggest achievement in my eyes, which often goes under the radar, is having the same haircut for so long."

Juliette Ferrington
BBC Sport at Melwood

"Last but not least cake for Gerrard and a round of applause. 'I'm off...'"

Image source, Juliette Ferrington

Save us some, Steven.

Meanwhile in the Midlands, Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood is giving his pre-match views on his side's Premier League game against Southampton on Saturday.

Image source, Aston Villa Twitter

We'll bring you the best snippets of his news conference when we get them.

We leave Steven Gerrard's news conference to join Newcastle boss John Carver, as he previews Saturday's game against relegated QPR.

Image source, Getty Images

Carver on injuries: "Siem de Jong and Adam Armstrong aren't available for Saturday. Gaby Obertan comes back into a squad of 21 which will travel.

On fighting relegation: "The spirit has been good and upbeat but we are not taking our eye off the ball. There is a huge job ahead of us.

On QPR: "There are one or two characters in the QPR team with a point to prove. They will want to finish the season on a high. Chris Ramsey is a good guy and a good coach. Hopefully he will get the QPR job next season. He deserves it."

More from departing Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard:

On the fans: "The supporters have been incredible since day one. I've had cruel lows and incredible highs. Their support has never changed in 17 years. That will be the most emotional goodbye."

Image source, Getty Images

On a future role at Liverpool: "If there's a role I consider myself good enough for, then I'd like to come back. I do feel I can contribute in the future. "

His biggest influences: "I owe an awful lot to Gerard Houllier. He was a father figure and I won three trophies under him. He gave me the captaincy at 23 and it was a brave thing to do. I owe an awful lot to him.

"I wish I'd met him Brendan Rodgers earlier in my career. I know I'd be talking about trophies now."

Liverpool's Steven Gerrard on his last match at Anfield: "I don't know how emotional it will be. I don't know what it's going to be like. I've been dreading it because I'm going to miss it so much.

"The plan is to try and keep it together and avoid the tears.

"If someone had said when I was going to the academy at eight years old that you're going to play 708 games and win the trophies, along with the highs and lows, I'd have taken that."

Image source, Sky

Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard on his final home game at Anfield: "I want to play every minute possible. It's what I intend to do.

"I want to say goodbye to everyone at Anfield, but want to be involved against Stoke.

"I feel a bit sorry for my team-mates. I didn't want to take the attention away from my team-mates.

"This weekend, it's only normal the attention falls on me but I'm sorry for that."

Steven Gerrard has arrived at his news conference before his final home game for Liverpool.

"I'm good. Looking forward to it. I want to win and finish on a high at Anfield," he said.

"There's no getting away from it. It will be emotional. I'm proud of what I've achieved and all the great memories.

"I dreamed of playing for this club as a boy and now I'm 708 appearances down the line."

The Steven Gerrard farewell tour is en route to its final stop.

A packed-out Melwood press room awaits the arrival of the Liverpool captain for his news conference before his final home game for the club.

Nice to see some of the guys have made an effort by wearing a suit.

Image source, Liverpool Twitter

Some final thoughts from England batsman Ian Bell who has been speaking to the media today about a certain Kevin Pietersen.

Bell believes Pietersen deserves the chance to be considered for England in the future.

"If he keeps scoring runs maybe there's a position in time, " said Bell. "Everyone deserves that opportunity with a long summer ahead."

Russell Fuller
BBC tennis correspondent

"Andy Murray has just announced that he is pulling out of the Rome Masters due to 'fatigue'.

"He was due to play David Goffin in the third round later this afternoon."

In around 20 minutes, we'll hopefully be hearing from Steven Gerrard in Liverpool's weekly news conference.

Meanwhile, Reds boss Brendan Rodgers has been taking training at Melwood today and took time to have a chat with some eager young fans who climbed over the fence to take a look.

Image source, Liverpool Twitter

More from Ian Bell on you know who.

Bell admitted Kevin Pietersen "would make any side stronger", and said "I'm sure he'll be frustrated".

But he added: "I don't know where you fit him in right now.

"The only slot now that looks to be free is the opening slot, so it would be an interesting selection change to get Kevin back in."

Gareth Bale: should he stay or should he go from Real Madrid?

Get involved on Twitter via the hashtag #BBCSportsday, external or on the BBC Sport Facebook, external page.

Sam Shinar: "Would love to see Bale at Arsenal, he loves his distant shots which is something Arsenal are missing.

Karel Deprez: Wasn't Bale once thinking about a career in sprinting?

Big Brenny: "His barnet is hindering him. Can't head the ball properly with an alice band on. Why have longer hair in a hotter climate too?"

People really don't like Bale's barnet today.....

Image source, Getty Images

Batsman Ian Bell has had his say on the Kevin Pietersen saga.

When asked by BBC Sport's Simon Mann if he trusted Pietersen when he played with him for England, Bell said:

"We all did. We had a good team that won a lot of cricket together and you don't do that without trust, without looking after each other and playing well.

"I enjoyed some great partnerships with Kevin in the middle order."

In case you've been AWOL for the past few days, you can read all about the background to the Pietersen story here.