Steven Gerrard gave Gary Neville the bluntest of replies when asked if he would play for Manchester United, then sent his regards to Sir Alex Ferguson. The former Liverpool captain spent his entire playing career at Anfield, though he did entertain approaches from Chelsea on more than one occasion.
Gerrard was once invited to consider a move to Old Trafford, with the overture coming from 'Agent Neville' acting on Ferguson's instructions while the duo were together on England duty.
Gerrard recounts the knock on the door
Speaking to Open Goal, Gerrard recounted: "When we were away with England, he knocked on my door. You know when you look through the little keyhole. I like Gary, he's a good guy, but I was like, 'What does he want me for?' He said, 'Look, don't shoot the messenger, but I've been told to come and ask the question if there's any possible chance you would play for Manchester United.'"
Gerrard's response was short and emphatic: "Gary, just leave." When asked by Neville if he wanted time to think about it, Gerrard added: "It's impossible, it's just not going to happen, mate. I'm flattered for you knocking and stuff. Please send my regards to Sir Alex Ferguson but it cannot happen. It won't happen. It was as simple as that."
Direct moves between rivals rare
Asked if moving to United or Everton was a big no-no for Liverpool players, Gerrard said: "I'd say Everton less so because I think players have done that. Paul Ince did it [played for Liverpool and United] but he went somewhere else [to Inter Milan in between]. I think for big players, it can't happen, not to Man United. I don't think that would ever happen. I'd be extremely surprised anyway."
While several players have represented both clubs, such as Ince and Michael Owen, it remains virtually unheard of in the men's game for an established player to move directly from one side to the other, though it has occasionally occurred at youth level.
Ferguson's admiration for Gerrard
Ferguson never made any secret of his admiration for Gerrard. Early in Gerrard's career, Ferguson told The Times: "What I'll say is that we would show an interest if we thought there was any chance, but realistically I don't think he would ever come here. Yes, it's true that I thought the same about [Alan] Smith and probably also [Rio] Ferdinand at one stage [who both joined United from Leeds], but that's a completely different situation."
"I could name you 15 players who have gone between Leeds and Manchester United, but no player has gone directly between Liverpool and Manchester United in something like 40 years. It's a very different proposition."
