Gerrard tells Liverpool he wants to leave

Jul 5, 2005, 15:30 GMT

Liverpool - Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has told the club he wants to leave Anfield.

The 25-year-old, who led his side to Champions League glory over AC Milan in May, told Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry that he did not want to stay and turned down a new 100,000 pounds (175,900 dollars) per week contract.

Chelsea had earlier had a 32-million pound (56.3-million dollar) bid for Gerrard rejected by Liverpool, but they may now up their offer for the England midfielder, while Real Madrid are also keen.

"The club has made it crystal clear we want to keep Steven at Anfield," Liverpool said in a statement.

"Sadly, he has told us that he will not accept our offer of an improved and extended contract because he wants to leave. We very much regret the decision he has taken."

Gerrard, who has two years left on his contract at Anfield, had suggested that he would be staying after his club's victory over AC Milan in May.

But talks over a new contract broke down on Monday and despite late-night talks, Gerrard's agent Struan Marshall told Parry of Gerrard's desire to leave on Tuesday.