The Chelsea manager believes that the Premier League will be poorer for the Reds captain’s imminent departure for LA Galaxy

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho says that he is “sorry” to see Liverpool hero Steven Gerrard leaving the Premier League at the end of the season, but jokes he might loan him from LA Galaxy.

The Reds captain has announced a deal to join the Major League Soccer champions once the Reds’ 2014-15 campaign is over, a decision which surprised the Blues boss.

Mourinho had been close to signing Gerrard during his first spell at Stamford Bridge in 2005 and applauded along with the home fans when he was substituted during Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea in Tuesday’s League Cup semi-final first leg.

“I’m not happy he leaves,” the Portuguese told BBC Radio 5 Live of Gerrard. “I would love the Premier League to keep always the best players.

“I think he has more than enough quality to play in the Premier League. In spite [of the fact] he’s my opponent, I feel sorry that he’s leaving.”

Long-serving Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard’s stay at Stamford Bridge ended last summer, only for him to join Manchester City in a successful temporary spell, and Mourinho was happy to joke about the possibility of a similar swoop for Gerrard.

Asked if he might try to persuade the Liverpool star to stay in England, the Blues manager replied: “Or to get him on loan.”