Why Top Liverpool Star Turned Down Real Madrid and Chelsea | OneFootball

Steven Gerrard on Rejecting Moves to European Giants and His Current Ambitions

Steven Gerrard’s Loyalty to Liverpool

Steven Gerrard, renowned as one of the finest midfielders in the history of Liverpool Football Club and the English Premier League, has had an illustrious career. From his debut against Blackburn Rovers in November 1998, Gerrard’s journey has been one of continuous ascent. Even amid interest from top clubs worldwide, his steadfast loyalty to Liverpool is a testament to his dedication to the club. Despite numerous offers, he chose to stay with the Reds until the latter part of his career, eventually moving to the USA for an 18-month stint.

In a candid interview with MBC Masr 2, the former Liverpool captain, now managing Al-Ettifaq, reflected on his career and future aspirations. Gerrard confirmed he had opportunities to leave Liverpool but opted to remain at Anfield.

“I had offers from Real Madrid and Chelsea. But my heart was always with Liverpool. I have never regretted that decision. If I could go back in time, I would do the same,” Gerrard revealed.

Turning Down Chelsea and Real Madrid

Liverpool supporters vividly recall the rumours of Chelsea’s interest in signing Gerrard. However, Gerrard’s loyalty to Liverpool prevailed, even over the allure of playing for Spanish giants Real Madrid. His decision wasn’t solely about not joining another English club; it was about his unwavering commitment to Liverpool.

Gerrard’s contentment with his choices resonates with Liverpool fans, who appreciate his dedication. His refusal to leave Liverpool for greener pastures exemplifies his deep connection to the club and its supporters.

Ambitions at Al-Ettifaq and Interest in Lionel Messi

In the same interview, Gerrard expressed his dreams of signing Lionel Messi for Al-Ettifaq, highlighting the Argentine’s potential impact on the club.

“It is a dream for me to have Messi at Al-Ettifaq. He is an incredible player and would be a great asset to the club. I know it is difficult for him to move to Saudi Arabia, but there is nothing wrong with dreaming,” Gerrard stated.

The discussion inevitably shifted to Cristiano Ronaldo, given his presence at Al-Ettifaq’s rival club Al-Nassr FC. Gerrard praised Ronaldo’s goal-scoring prowess while acknowledging both Ronaldo and Messi as football legends.

“Both Cristiano and Messi are incredible players with incredible football stories. Ronaldo is a great individual goalscorer, while Messi is a more complete team player. I can’t choose between them; they are both legends,” he remarked.

Challenges of Retaining Foreign Players in Saudi Arabia

Gerrard also discussed the difficulties of retaining foreign players in Saudi Arabia, referencing his former Liverpool teammate Jordan Henderson. Adjusting to a new cultural and footballing environment can be challenging, and Gerrard’s insights shed light on the complexities involved in such transitions.

His observations reflect the broader challenges Saudi Arabian clubs face in attracting and retaining top talent from around the world. Creating an environment where foreign players can thrive is crucial for the league’s growth and success.

Conclusion

Steven Gerrard’s reflections on his career and ambitions at Al-Ettifaq provide a fascinating glimpse into the mind of one of football’s greats. His loyalty to Liverpool, aspirations for his current club, and insights into the footballing world underline his enduring passion for the sport. As Gerrard continues to make his mark as a manager, his experiences and perspectives remain invaluable to the footballing community.