Gerrard to stay at Liverpool after remarkable U-turn

By Ben James Jul 6, 2005, 20:12 GMT

Liverpool - An emotional Steven Gerrard committed his long- term future to Liverpool on Wednesday after a bizarre 48 hours in which his career at Anfield had seemed over once and for all.

Having lifted the European Cup in May, the 25-year-old shocked Liverpool fans on Tuesday when he announced that he wanted to leave the club, only to perform a remarkable U-turn 24 hours later and pledge his future to the club.

Chelsea had offered 32 million pounds for the Liverpool captain but after late-night discussions with chief executive Rick Parry, Gerrard changed his mind and he is now due to sign a new contract, perhaps in the next few hours.

"The last five or six weeks were the hardest of my life because I wrongly believed the club didn't want me," Gerrard said.

"I don't want to get into attaching blame to anyone. If I blame anyone, it's myself.

"I wanted my future sorted out as soon as possible after the Champions League final and when that wasn't the case, the longer it went on, the more misunderstandings there were.

"There was confusion and doubt in my mind. I had discussions with the manager, but the reports of bust-ups are complete nonsense. Now I know how much the club wants me.

"I'll be signing the deal, maybe even today (Wednesday). I'd also like it known there are no clauses in that contract.

"I've committed my long-term future to the club and I want all the speculation to end now. This is what I've wanted all along."

Gerrard offered to stand down as captain after the events of the past few days but his offer was rejected by manager Rafael Benitez.

"I said to the manager I'd like to speak with the players on my own because I know some of them have been frustrated with what's gone on, just like the fans have," Gerrard said.

"It would have broken my heart to have lost the captaincy but I thought it was right to make that offer."

Benitez said the relationship between the two had not been affected.

"It is true that he offered to give up the captaincy but I spoke to some players and our idea was the same, that Stevie should be our captain," Benitez said.

"My relationship with Steven is fine, it always has been," he added. "I don't understand what I have been reading in the press. I am sure now that, if it's possible, our relationship will be even better."

Gerrard, who is set to lead Liverpool in their Champions League first qualifying round match against TNS of Wales on July 13, said he wanted to put everything behind him.

"I feel there is a weight off my mind and I just want us to put this mess behind us," he said.

"I've only one medal left to win at Liverpool and that's the Premiership. That's what I want more than anything and Liverpool is the only place I've ever wanted to win it.

"I know there are some fans who'll be supportive and some who won't be. All I can say is it's been a difficult period for me, but I know I've made the right decision.

"In my heart, this is my club. I want to help bring success here for them and, for their sake and my own, I never want to go through this again."