Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has revealed he has turned down multiple offers from Real Madrid throughout his career.
Gerrard, set to do battle with the Spanish giants in a blockbuster Champions League tie on Wednesday, has admitted that earlier in his career, his head may have been swayed by a move to the Bernabeu.
Former England skipper Gerrard, who retired from international football this summer after the World Cup, said:
“It is very flattering to be linked to a huge club like Madrid. I have had options throughout my career to go to Real Madrid, but I resisted the temptation to stay with my home town club.
“I may regret at the end of my career not going to experiencing a different scenery, but I would have had bigger regret leaving Liverpool, the club I love.
“Real Madrid are a special club but, for me, Liverpool is my number one club.”
Real boss Carlo Ancelotti is a huge fan of Gerrard, and he tried on several occasions to sign him when he was coach of AC Milan, Liverpool’s Champions League Final opponents in 2005 and 2007.
Despite the Reds’ stuttering start to the season, Gerrard remains upbeat ahead of a clash between two sides with 15 European Cups between them.
“We are new back to the Champions League so I’m not sure Real will have fear,” said Gerrard.
“There are not many opponents they will worry about facing. We are progressing and moving forward.
“You only enjoy games likes this when you perform as a team so we’re looking to surprise and shock a few people.”
Steve Osborne @SteveOsborne23
