In the summer of 2005, Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard shocked the football world by submitting a transfer request, just weeks after leading his boyhood club to a remarkable Champions League triumph.
The euphoria of Istanbul quickly disappeared. Some angry fans even burned Gerrard shirts as rumours spread that several European giants—most notably Premier League champions Chelsea—were preparing bids for him.
Gerrard later admitted the situation was overwhelming. “This has been the toughest decision of my life,” he said. “My intention after the Champions League final was to sign a new contract, but what has happened over the last month or so has changed everything. I respect the club and its people too much to start pointing fingers.”
He rejected a contract offer worth £100,000 per week, just days after Liverpool turned down a £32 million bid from Chelsea. A bidding battle between Chelsea and Real Madrid seemed inevitable.
Real Madrid publicly confirmed their interest, and Spanish outlet AS claimed Liverpool were willing to negotiate. Reports suggested the Reds wanted £40 million plus three players—Ruben De la Red, Alvaro Arbeloa and Javi Garcia—in exchange for their captain.
However, Madrid eventually backed away, believing Liverpool’s demands were too high. After days of intense speculation, Gerrard reversed his decision and signed a new four-year deal to remain at Anfield.
Five years later, when José Mourinho took charge at Madrid, the Spanish club tried again to lure Gerrard, but he once more chose loyalty to Liverpool over a blockbuster move.
Ahead of a Champions League meeting with Real Madrid in 2014, Gerrard admitted he sometimes wondered what might have been.
“It’s flattering to be linked with Real Madrid,” he said. “I had chances during my career to join them, but I stayed because of my bond with Liverpool and my hometown. Maybe one day I’ll think I should have challenged myself in a new country—but leaving the club I love would have been an even bigger regret.”
He concluded: “I admire Real Madrid. They are a massive club. But Liverpool will always be No. 1 for me.”
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