"My heart was always with Liverpool" - Steven Gerrard admits he had offers to join Real Madrid and rival PL club during his playing career
Former Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has admitted that he received offers from Real Madrid and Chelsea, among other clubs during his time at Anfield. The Englishman played for the Merseyside club for 17 years.
He's regarded as one of the most prolific central midfielders of all time. Gerrard won several titles during his time at Anfield, including the UEFA Champions League in 2005, two FA Cups, and three League Cups. He never won the Premier League title though.
The 44-year-old is known for the infamous 'slip' against Chelsea in the 2013-14 Premier League season. The Reds were atop the Premier League table when they faced the Blues in their third last match of the season. However, while receiving a pass, Gerrard slipped, allowing Demba Ba to open the scoring for the Blues. The west London club won the match 2-0 and also went on to win the league.
Interestingly, the Englishman received an offer from Chelsea during his time at Anfield. Here's what he said (via Madrid Xtra):
“I had offers from Real Madrid & Chelsea, but my heart was always with Liverpool. I’ve never regretted that decision. If I could go back in time, I would do the same.”
Following managerial stints with Rangers and Aston Villa, the former Liverpool midfielder is currently managing Saudi Pro League club Al-Ettifaq.
Gerrard had once said that Real Madrid wanted him to cause a war to leave the club
The 44-year-old has been pretty vocal about receiving offers from other clubs. He had once revealed how he had in 2005 considered joining Chelsea, but a move to the Stamford Bridge club didn't materialize.
He also admitted that Real Madrid wanted him to "cause a war" to force a move to the Spanish outfit. Here's what he had said back in 2020 (via The Sun):
"Imagine playing for Mourinho in the Champions League with Madrid, unbelievable experience. But it didn’t happen. Madrid wanted me to cause a war at Liverpool to get out, that’s the only way that could have happened."
The Englishman would've perhaps won a few more Champions League titles had he made the switch to the Spanish outfit. He would've joined former teammate Xabi Alonso in midfield and would've had the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Mesut Ozil, and Angel di Maria in attack.