Steven Gerrard has revealed that a potential move to Real Madrid "played on [the] mind" during his time at Liverpool, but the former captain has no regrets about staying at Anfield. Instead, he wishes he had not "flirted" with transfer rumours.
Gerrard's Liverpool Legacy
Gerrard spent 17 years with Liverpool, winning the Champions League, two FA Cups and three League Cups. The former midfielder ended his career at LA Galaxy but made his name in the Premier League, scoring 186 goals and assisting 156 times.
During an appearance on Open Goal, former Celtic star Paul Slane asked Gerrard if he wished he had tried his hand elsewhere instead of remaining with the Reds.
No Regrets Over Staying
The 46-year-old said: "No, no. I think the Madrid one always played on your mind a little bit because it's Real Madrid and you think, you know, a couple of years abroad you have moments where you think, oh maybe [I should've went]."
"But because I loved Liverpool that much and because I was competing for Champions Leagues, I didn't feel like I needed to change. I was so happy. I was living at home with my family. I was playing for my team. I was the captain. It was about if the manager wanted me and I was going to be a big part of the team. I didn't want to go."
Insecurity Under Benitez
Gerrard opened up about the insecurity he felt working under Rafa Benitez, admitting that he only entertained the idea of moving elsewhere because he did not "feel the love" at Anfield. He explained: "I had a little bit with Rafa where I thought maybe Rafa wanted to sell me and maybe use the money elsewhere."
"Rightly or wrongly, that's how I felt. I felt a little bit insecure around the time and then Chelsea came really strong twice. Then Jose came for me at Inter and Real Madrid. But as I say, like when I was having the chats with Rafa, I didn't feel like Rafa was going, 'You're going nowhere. You're staying here. There's not a chance. We want you here. We want you to sign a a long contract.'"
"I wanted to feel that love. And then I just got a little bit insecure and just got a different feeling. But also as well, I'm guilty of flirting a little bit and stuff with which I regret."
