Steven Gerrard is a player whose name is steeped in history. The Liverpool midfielder is regarded as one of the finest midfielders of our generation. Other than his undeniable talent on the pitch, his undying loyalty to Liverpool is remarkable as well. Although the Anfield hero is one of the finest players of yesteryear, his trophy cabinet does not quite do him justice. He played in relatively poor teams.
As a result, many top clubs tried to lure him in his prime. And one of the was Chelsea under Jose Mourinho. The Blues found a lot of success in the early 2000s, and Mourinho was hell-bent on bringing Gerrard to Stamford Bridge.
A trio of Gerrard, Claudio Makelele and Frank Lampard would have been unplayable. The offer did test Gerrard’s resolve as well.
But after a prolonged thought process, the Englishman decided to stay at Liverpool. He claimed that he was busy with Euro 2004, but now he was clear.
The Famous Gerrard Press Conference
The last three or four weeks have been really confusing for me. I have been in a big tournament, that’s why I have been really quiet about my future. I have not been happy with the progression of the club over the last two years and for the first time in my career I have really thought about the possibility of moving on to a different club.
But after coming back from Euro 2004, after sitting down with my friends and family and after my fourth meeting with Rick Parry in the last two months, I have decided I am staying at Liverpool Football Club. But I have gone with the decision that is in my heart, which is I love the club, I love the supporters and that’s what it boils down to at the end of the day.
Steven Gerrard
Chelsea’s failed attempt to poach Gerrard led to the beginning of a bitter rivalry between the two teams. The animosity between the two groups of supporters is still fueling this rivalry nearly two decades later.
But regardless to say, the decision won over the Anfield faithful. Gerrard may have had the accolades at Chelsea, but not the admiration he has on Merseyside.
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