Steven Gerrard Almost Left Liverpool for Chelsea After Clashing with Benitez

Steven Gerrard has revealed an "up and down" relationship with Rafa Benitez almost resulted in him joining Chelsea earlier in his career, but he has no regrets about turning down the Blues and Manchester United to stay at Liverpool.

As reported by Liverpool's official Twitter account, 15 years ago on Friday, Gerrard made his debut for the club.

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On this day 15 years ago, Steven Gerrard made his debut for the Reds and a genuine #LFC legacy began... pic.twitter.com/8wVWq5hM74

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) November 29, 2013"

He has gone on to win a host of personal and team honours with the Reds, including the Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup.

The one thing missing from his CV is a Premier League winner’s medal, and he could have had that at Chelsea or United.

Both clubs made bids for the England captain, but he rejected them in order to stay loyal to the only team he has played for.

Speaking on BT Sport’s Clare Balding Show, reported by the Express’ David Wright, Gerrard said: "I went on trial at Manchester United when I was 13 and had a letter off them wanting to sign me on a seven-year-deal."

"He (Sir Alex Ferguson) tried to sign me in early 2002/2003, he tried to sign me again to play for United, I obviously refused," he later added.

Gerrard also revealed to Balding that his “up and down” relationship with then Liverpool boss Benitez almost saw him leave the club for Chelsea.

Per Wright’s piece, Gerrard said:

They (Chelsea) tried on two occasions in 2005 and 2006.

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I am Liverpool man through and through but I have to admit it did turn my head, because big things were happening at Chelsea.

They were spending huge amounts of money and at Liverpool at the time we were struggling and my relationship with Benitez was a bit up and down.

I have openly admitted that it did turn my head, but now I can honestly admit from the bottom of my heart the best decision I have made was to stay at the club that I love.

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Gerrard is having a fine season with Liverpool, who are four points behind leaders Arsenal in the Premier League.

He is still dominating the midfield trenches for the Reds, but manager Brendan Rodgers feels Gerrard could extend his career by playing as central defender.

The Mail’s Jack Gaughan has the quotes:

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He is as fit as he has ever been. You adapt and change.  

I think he can play as No. 2 centre-half later in his career.

He passes the ball as good as anyone in the world.

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