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THROWBACK: When Liverpool’s legend was left ‘confused’ by Chelsea’s interest

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Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard was left confused after reported interest from Chelsea to make Stamford Bridge move in 2004.

Chelsea and Liverpool have been known as long-term rivals considering their history. However, there was a brief period when one of Liverpool’s very own legends, Steven Gerrard, was close to moving to the Bridge.

Back in 2004, the North London-based club was looking to secure the services of Gerrard the following summer. However, the long transfer saga left the Liverpool ace ‘confused’ and eventually made him stay with his boyhood club.

What Happened in the Chelsea-Gerrard Saga?

During the same year, Chelsea found themselves under the ownership of Roman Abramovich who was ready to pay big money.

The first reinforcement the Blues made was appointing a new head coach in Jose Mourinho from FC Porto. The new management decided to bring in a strong leader with a great character to lead the project for Chelsea.

In came the name of Steven Gerrard who was close to being paired with Chelsea legend Frank Lampard. An era of greatness and sheer dominance was set to be orchestrated by the new management that season.

In the midst of the transfer links to the Bridge, Gerrard was coming out of the Euro 2004 championship. He broke the silence regarding his transfer just days after the end of the competition.

He said-

“The last three or four weeks have been really confusing for me. I have been in a big tournament, that’s why I have been really quiet about my future,”

“I have not been happy with the progression of the club over the last two years and for the first time in my career I have really thought about the possibility of moving on to a different club.”

The Conclusion to the Transfer Saga

Chelsea under Abramovich even decided to give a red-carpet treatment to impress the Red’s skipper. However, the deal failed to materialize after Gerrard got back to Liverpool and discussed the situation with his close people.

He went on to say-

“After coming back from Euro 2004, after sitting down with my friends and family and after my fourth meeting with Rick Parry in the last two months, I have decided I am staying at Liverpool Football Club.”

“I have gone with the decision that is in my heart, which is I love the club, I love the supporters and that’s what it boils down to at the end of the day.”

The failed attempt to sign Gerrard from Liverpool sparked off a great rivalry between the two clubs.

What followed was, that Rafa Benitez, the then manager of Liverpool got the better of Mourinho’s Chelsea in the semi-finals of the Champions League.

Steven Gerrard was linked yet again to Chelsea the very next season, but he decided to continue with Liverpool. He later became the club’s legend and one of the most decorated players in the history of the sport.

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