Steven Gerrard, a beloved figure among Liverpool fans, has deep ties to the club, having spent a significant portion of his career there. His loyalty and dedication have cemented his status as one of Liverpool’s greatest players. However, his time at one of England’s most decorated clubs was not always smooth.
Over his 17-year career from 1998 to 2015, Gerrard made 710 appearances for the Reds, sharing the pitch with an array of talented players, including the stylish Xabi Alonso, 2001 Ballon d’Or winner Michael Owen, and the dynamic Fernando Torres.
Among his former teammates was El Hadji Diouf, a standout performer for Senegal at the 2002 World Cup. His impressive displays earned him a £10 million transfer to Liverpool under Gerard Houllier, but his time at the club was far from harmonious, particularly with Gerrard.
Gerrard, who has openly criticized Diouf, even labeled him his “worst ever” teammate, stating, “I don’t really want to waste time thinking about El Hadji Diouf.” In his autobiography My Story, Gerrard expressed his lack of respect for the forward, describing his career as an example of wasted potential and how things can quickly fall apart in football.