Back in 2004 the Frenchman instructed the club’s president to make a move for the player, only for him to decide to remain at Anfield

Zinedine Zidane has revealed he told Real Madrid president Florentino Perez to sign Steven Gerrard back in 2004.

The Liverpool midfielder announced his decision to depart the club at the end of the season this week, bringing to an end his 17-year association with the club.

Gerrard came close to leaving the Reds and joining Chelsea in 2005 after handing in a transfer request following their Champions League success.

And he could well have left Liverpool 12 months before that had Zidane got his wish, with the France legend admitting he did his best to get Madrid to pursue a move.

“I have said in the past that at his peak he was the best in the world,” said the 42-year-old. 

“I think it was the summer of 2004 I was having a conversation with Florentino (Perez) and I told him I wanted him to partner me in midfield for Madrid. 

“I know the club tried twice but he wouldn’t leave Liverpool. Not many players turn down Real Madrid but I think that tells you a lot about the loyalty of the man.”

Gerrard confirmed he will join an as yet unspecified MLS club in the summer and Zidane believes the former England captain still has much to offer as a player.

“The years of him winning trophies are not behind him. I am sure he will be very successful in the MLS.”

 

The legendary Reds midfielder has confirmed his intention to leave for Major League Soccer in the summer and the manager is keen to maintain the Merseyside core of his team

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is on the lookout for local talent following Steven Gerrard’s announcement that he will leave at the end of the season.

Gerrard’s departure follows that of fellow hometown hero Jamie Carragher, who retired in 2013, and sees the Reds’ contingent of locally sourced players dwindle further.

Rickie Lambert and Jon Flanagan are left to fly the flag for Merseyside at Anfield, while youngsters such as 17-year-old Jordan Rossiter, who made his senior debut against Middlesbrough in the League Cup earlier this season, attempt to force their way into the first team and Rodgers believes that it is important to nurture local players.

“Not too many managers get to manage this kind of situation [Carragher and Gerrard leaving],” he told reporters. “It’s about finding the next one.

“That’s what happens in football. You have to find the next one. There’s a focus at finding the next one on our own doorstep. We want to find talent, of which I believe there is plenty, on Merseyside and in and around Liverpool.

“It’s nigh on impossible to find a replacement for Steven of that stature and quality. He is unique in his play and behaviour. You can’t find a direct replacement but, for us, it will always be about the team. We’re renowned for having top-class players.”

On Gerrard’s decision to end his 17-year Liverpool career, Rodgers added: “We had a chat a few days before the announcement so I’ve been fully aware all the way along.

“Steven deserved the time to make his decision. The decision is purely for him and his family. He will always be an iconic figure here.

“He sees himself going on to play a couple more years. Naturally it would have been tapered a bit in the next few years [at Liverpool]. He knew my feeling on wanting him to be here. He wasn’t ready to move into coaching; he still sees himself very much as a player.”

Gerrard has confirmed that he will move to Major League Soccer in the summer but Rodgers insists that he has not given a potential loan back to Anfield a moment’s thought.

“He’s still a player here now for this season,” the manager stressed. “I’m not thinking beyond that.”

The former England international has already announced his intention to depart Anfield at the end of his contract in the summer and is set to try his luck in the USA

Liverpool have revealed that departing captain Steven Gerrard will move to the USA this summer.

The Reds legend confirmed on Friday his intention to seek a new challenge at the end of the season, calling it the hardest decision of his life.

Major League Soccer was immediately mooted as a possible destination and the ex-England international has now made it clear that he will move across the Atlantic after the Premier League campaign has concluded, with LA Galaxy the favourites to secure his signature.

Steven Gerrard confirms he will move to the USA this summer. Watch exclusive interview at 5pm on @LFCTV and LFCTV GO pic.twitter.com/pwsWtgqp5h

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 3, 2015

Real Sociedad coach David Moyes and Southampton boss Ronald Koeman had both indicated an openness to signing Gerrard should he be interested but the 34-year-old has chosen MLS as his next destination.

Former Reds boss Gerard Houllier, meanwhile, who gave the midfielder his debut for the club, expects him to be back at Anfield one day as manager.

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