Thirty-two year old Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard again proved his worth for his club when manager hints about offering him a new contract extension. Brendan Rodgers confirmed his desire about a new contract extension that would probably tie his captain for the rest of his career at Anfield. Though, he only scored four goals in his forty played matches, but his steady availability is more important than his score tally. He made his debut for Liverpool back in 1998, and during his long playing career, he never led his managers down at least for his injuries, though he has always been a victim of injuries. However, at the moment, there is no formal deal talk in progress, yet Rodgers confirmed that he has discussed about the new contract with midfielder informally, and in coming weeks probably a formal contract will be tabled. His persistent form stands him parallel with Manchester United veteran Ryan Giggs who is going to celebrate his fortieth birthday next season. Comparing Gerrard with Giggs, manager said, “Ryan Giggs says players can carry on longer now but it’s not by accident. Steven is definitely in that category, purely because of his professionalism. Players who play beyond the age where you might expect them to be thinking of packing it in are those that have looked after themselves since they were 19 or 20.”
In an interview, Rodgers talked in detail about latest developments as far a new contract offering is concerned, he said, “Steven has a year left and that is something he and I are about to discuss. Then, I will take things through to the board upstairs. There is no doubt that Steven is a player who has given so much to the club, but he has also got a lot more to give. It just emphasises how selfless Steven is that he hasn’t wanted to talk about a contract because his focus has been on the team and improving his own game. But, obviously, I want him to know that he is very much a part of what we are doing here and a new contract is something we will look at between now and the summer.”
He further added: “We’ve brought people in to the middle of the park and up front and it’s pleasing to see that you have to go back to 1995-6 to find a Liverpool team that has scored more goals at this stage of the season. But Jamie’s departure will leave us a bit thin at the back even though I’ve got top quality defenders in Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel. Jamie has been a huge influence on this club and no doubt we will continue to speak, although I think probably Jamie’s retiring because he wants to get away from it.”