Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard has released a statement to Sky Sports News.
Steven Gerrard has released a statement to Sky Sports News explaining why he wants to leave Liverpool.
The England midfielder admits the decision to quit his boyhood idols has been a gut-wrenching one and that his initial thought after the UEFA Champions League victory was to remain at Anfield.
However, he has changed his mind, as he did last term when snubbing a move to Chelsea to commit his future to the Merseysiders.
"The last six weeks have been the toughest of my life," he informed Sky Sports News. "The decision I have come to has been the hardest decision I have ever had to make.
"I fully intended to sign a new contract after the Champions League final but the events of the past five or six weeks have changed all that.
"I have too much respect for the club and the people at it to get involved in a slanging match."
Gerrard inspired Liverpool's remarkable second half comeback against Milan in Istanbul and has been a key figure for Rafa Benitez's side.
Chelsea and Real Madrid are leading the chase for the midfield icon's signature as Liverpool fans come to terms with their favourite son's decision to turn his back on the European Cup holders.
Which club will Steven Gerrard be at on August 13th? Chelsea 1/2 Real Madrid 6/4 Liverpool 12/1 Barcelona 33/1 Man Utd 33/1 AC Milan 66/1 Inter 66/1 Juventus 66/1 - Odds subject to fluctuation |
