There are few players who enjoy the great respect even among their rivals and that why their opponents often opt for them when they have retired or are playing for their official sides. Former Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard is one such player who used to be an icon in English soccer not only for his skills but for his leadership qualities that is why he could serve The Reds for so long. It is actually bad luck for Liverpool that they could not hold over him and he had to move out of English soccer after playing for seventeen long years for them. Those who know him remember how he took all the responsibilities for England’s world cup debacle and retired from international soccer after The Three Lions failed to qualify for the second stage. Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho, who has ever been one of the biggest admirers of the 34-year-old midfielder, recalls his sincere attempt to bring him at Stamford Bridge and how he failed to convince him nine years ago.
Apart from Blues, there were other sides from England, Spain, and Germany who wanted to sign him ignoring his form and reported clash with the Liverpool bosses at that time, but for some reason, Gerrard decided to stay with the Anfield side. Anyways, he has ever been close to Portuguese heart who called him a historic player when recalling his failed attempt to sign him back in 2005. What former Everton manager said, is, “He is a historical player for Liverpool, a historical player for the Premier League and an opponent I have always admired and respected. We did everything to try and it was almost there. I was dreaming of Makelele, Gerrard and Lampard in midfield. We were playing in a proper triangle without a number 10 and playing Maka in front of the defenders. Me, Mr. Abramovich and Peter Kenyon at that time, we dreamed of that.
“His people were open to him joining a top side like Chelsea. But to me personally he never said he would come. Never. He was always a red and I think the decision was right.”
Calling his decision the biggest disappointment for him, Mourinho added, “Yes, but I have another one when I was trying Lampard to Inter. I was almost there and it didn’t happen too. I had a couple of disappointments and that’s normal in football.”