The Reds skipper says he was saddened by the former Manchester United’s manager remarks about his ability as a footballer

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard says he was “gutted” to hear that former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson did not regard him as a world-class footballer.

The England international has revealed Ferguson twice tried to bring him to Old Trafford, but in the Scot’s recent autobiography he had commented that Gerrard was “not a top, top player”.

“I went on trial at Manchester United when I was 13 and had a letter off them wanting to sign me on a seven-year-deal,” he told ‘The Clare Balding Show’ on BT Sport 1.

“I’m a huge fan of Alex Ferguson and what he’s done in the game is fantastic, that’s the reason why he’s sold that many copies in the first week, I was generally a little bit gutted when I read that, the reaction of the papers, when he said I wasn’t a top, top player. But I won’t lose sleep over it, everyone is entitled to their opinion.

“He tried to sign me in early 2002-2003, he tried to sign me again to play for United, I obviously refused, so I can’t really take it to heart too much. But I’m a bit gutted because I’m a big fan of his.”

The Liverpool captain famously came close to a move to Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2005, but says he is glad he decided to reject west London in favour of an Anfield stay.

“They [Chelsea] tried on two occasions in 2005 and 2006,” he added.

“I am Liverpool man through and through but I have to admit it did turn my head, because big things were happening at Chelsea.

“They were spending huge amounts of money and at Liverpool at the time we were struggling and my relationship with Benitez was a bit up and down.

“I have openly admitted that it did turn my head, but now I can honestly admit from the bottom of my heart the best decision I have made was to stay at the club that I love.”