Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has admitted that the possibility of joining Real Madrid sometimes stayed in his thoughts during his 17-year career at Anfield.
Despite interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs, Gerrard insists he has no regrets about staying with Liverpool. The former captain won the Champions League, two FA Cups and three League Cups with the Reds.
Speaking on Open Goal, Gerrard explained that the prospect of playing for Real Madrid occasionally made him wonder what life abroad could have been like.
“The Madrid one always played on your mind a little bit because it’s Real Madrid.”
However, Gerrard said his love for Liverpool and the success he was enjoying at Anfield meant he never truly felt the need to leave. He was captain, playing regularly in the Champions League and living close to his family.
Gerrard also revealed that his relationship with manager Rafa Benitez contributed to some uncertainty. At one point, he felt that Benitez might be willing to sell him, which made him question his future.
He also admitted that interest from Chelsea, Jose Mourinho and Real Madrid added to the situation.
Looking back, though, Gerrard says his biggest regret was not staying loyal to Liverpool — but “flirting” with transfer rumours in the first place.
For Liverpool supporters, Gerrard’s comments underline just how close one of the club’s greatest-ever players came to leaving Anfield, and how strongly he ultimately chose Liverpool.
