Zinedine Zidane Says Steven Gerrard Was World's Best Footballer at His Peak

The tributes have been flowing in for Steven Gerrard since he announced he would be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season, but one statement we suspect Gerrard might hold dearer than most comes from Zinedine Zidane.

The French legend has revealed just how good he thought Gerrard was, and how he pleaded with Real Madrid's president to try and sign Gerrard back in 2004. 

Zidane said, as per the Liverpool Echo:

"

I have said in the past that at his peak he was the best in the world

I think it was the summer of 2004 I was having a conversation with Florentino (Perez) and I told him I wanted him to partner me in midfield for Madrid.

I know the club tried twice but he wouldn’t leave Liverpool. Not many players turn down Real Madrid but I think that tells you a lot about the loyalty of the man.

"

Gerrard announced his intentions to leave Liverpool this week, with reports suggesting he will sign an 18-month contract with LA Galaxy, per ESPN FC's Jeff Carlisle.

[Liverpool Echo]