Steven Gerrard Stands by Liverpool Loyalty Despite European Giants’ Interest
Steven Gerrard has insisted he does not regret staying loyal to Liverpool despite interest from Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Bayern Munich during a career in which he became one of the defining midfielders of the Premier League era.
The former Liverpool and England captain spent 19 years as a player, making 710 appearances for the Reds and collecting nine trophies. He joined LA Galaxy in 2015 before bringing his playing career to an end in 2016.
European interest during Liverpool career
- Gerrard said approaches from leading European clubs came largely through José Mourinho, now Real Madrid head coach.
- Inter Milan registered interest, while Real Madrid made contact on two separate occasions.
- There were also discussions involving Bayern Munich near the end of Gerrard’s Liverpool spell in 2015, when Bastian Schweinsteiger was preparing to leave the German club.
- Gerrard said he did not seriously consider departing Anfield, particularly because he was enjoying his football under Brendan Rodgers at the time.
“I had some interest from overseas clubs, mostly through José Mourinho,” Gerrard said. “Inter Milan, Real Madrid twice, and then later there were some conversations with my agent around the time Schweinsteiger was leaving Bayern in 2015.
“I was not particularly interested because I was not going to leave Liverpool then. I was enjoying playing for Brendan Rodgers. Three or four huge clubs showed interest during my career, and that is flattering.”
No regrets over Liverpool decision
Gerrard acknowledged that watching English players succeed abroad can occasionally prompt reflection. Jude Bellingham has won major honours with Real Madrid, while Harry Kane has added trophies at Bayern Munich after leaving Tottenham.
But Gerrard maintained that the prospect of a different career path has not altered his view of the decisions he made.
“When you see players such as Jude Bellingham at Real Madrid and Harry Kane at Bayern Munich winning so much abroad, it does enter your thoughts,” he said. “You look back and wonder. But I have no regrets about the choices I made. None.”
Gerrard moved into management after retirement and was most recently in charge of Saudi Pro League club Al Ettifaq. He has been without a club since leaving that post in January 2025.
