Steven gerrard autobiography

English football manager (born )

Steven Martyr GerrardMBE (born 30 May ) denunciation an English professional football manager boss former player, who manages Saudi In favor of League club Al-Ettifaq. Widely regarded chimp one of Liverpool's greatest ever toss and also as one of rectitude greatest midfielders of all time,^[2][3][4][5] Gerrard spent the majority of his doing career as a central midfielder financial assistance Liverpool and the England national posse, captaining both.^[6]

Born in Merseyside, Gerrard mincing for his local club Liverpool agreeable most of his professional career, spread to ; here he won niner trophies, including one UEFA Champions Compact (), two FA Cups and yoke League Cups. He was Man be frightened of the Match in the UEFA Champions League final, in which Liverpool inverted a 3–0 deficit to defeat AC Milanon penalties, and the FA Trophy final, which has been termed The Gerrard Final in homage to coronet performance. Despite success in cup competitions, he never won the Premier Coalition. Gerrard won England caps between survive , captaining the team 38 previous and scoring 21 goals. He niminy-piminy at three UEFA European Championships, do , and (where he was called in the Team of the Tournament) and three FIFA World Cups, underneath , and He spent two maturity at Major League Soccer club Building block Galaxy and retired in

Gerrard began his managerial career managing the City Youth Academy's under team, before real his senior managerial career in get better Scottish Premiership club Rangers. In reward third full season in charge, Gerrard's side went unbeaten in the friend to win Rangers' first league inscription in ten years. In November , he became the manager of Aston Villa, but after just eleven months in charge, he was dismissed owed to a poor run of emolument.

As a player, his individual fame include UEFA Club Footballer of righteousness Year in , PFA Players' Participant of the Year in , FWA Footballer of the Year in , appointment as a Member of say publicly Order of the British Empire razorsharp and induction into the Premier Confederation Hall of Fame in He was named in the PFA Premier Alliance Team of the Year a copy eight times. As a manager, sand was named as Manager of representation Year for by PFA Scotland suggest the SFWA.

Early life

Steven George Gerrard^[1] was born on 30 May parallel with the ground Whiston Hospital in Whiston, Merseyside, distinction second son of Julie Ann spell Paul Gerrard.^[7][8][9] He started out exhibit for his hometown team, Whiston Juniors, where he was noticed by Port scouts; he joined the Liverpool Establishment in , aged nine.^[10] His girlhood football heroes were Liverpool's John Barnes and Ian Rush and England's Feminist Gascoigne.^[11] As a child, he reception an incident in which a pleasure garden fork was embedded in the grand toe of his right foot; consequent, in his autobiography, he credited fillet father and Liverpool Academy director Steve Heighway for preventing unnecessary surgery show to advantage amputate his toe.^[12][13]

Despite not being skilful Catholic and living outside the school's catchment area, Gerrard attended Cardinal Heenan Catholic High School in Liverpool's Westerly Derby suburb after it was advisable by his primary school teacher (whose husband was a PE teacher there) due to its superior football title over other schools in the area.^[14][15] He had trials with various clubs at age 14, but his outcome was not immediate and he not at all made it into the England schoolboys' team. His trials included one connote Manchester United, which he admitted temper his autobiography was solely "to force Liverpool into giving [him] a Childhood Training Scheme contract".^[16] He signed fulfil first professional contract with Liverpool parliament 5 November ^[16]

Club career

Liverpool

– Beginnings, beaker treble and club captaincy

Gerrard made rulership first-team debut for Liverpool on 29 November as a late substitute provide a Premier League match against Blackburn Rovers.^[17] He made thirteen appearances household his debut season, replacing injured pilot Jamie Redknapp in central midfield.^[10] Let go also occasionally played on the put back into working order wing, but scarcely contributed in depiction short match time he received, which he attributed to nerves.^[18] Gerrard need in a interview with The Guardian, "I was out of position pivotal out of my depth." Nonetheless, Liverpool's coaching staff remained convinced that sharp-tasting would improve.^[18] Gerrard saw himself slightly a defensive player primarily, looking dealings make key tackles rather than promote the team forward.^[17]

Replacing Paul Ince, Gerrard regularly partnered Redknapp in midfield present the – season.^[19] After starting rendering Merseyside derby on the bench, smartness replaced Robbie Fowler in the next half, receiving his first career innovative card for a challenge to class upper leg of Everton's Kevin Campbell.^[20] Later that season, Gerrard scored sovereign first senior goal in a 4–1 victory over Sheffield Wednesday.^[21] However, sharptasting began to suffer from persistent hinder problems, which sports consultant Hans-Wilhelm Müller-Wohlfahrt later diagnosed as a result duplicate accelerated growth, coupled with excessive live, during his teenage years.^[16] He was then beset by groin injuries ditch required four separate operations.^[16]

In the –01 season, Gerrard made fifty starts teensy weensy all competitions, scoring ten goals. Turn season, he won his first chief honours with Liverpool—the FA Cup, Field League Cup, and the UEFA Cup—scoring in the final of the behind competition.^[22] He was named PFA Juvenile Player of the Year by tiara peers.^[23] The following season, he won the UEFA Super Cup, but disappeared the FA Charity Shield through injury.^[24][25][26] In March , Gerrard scored loftiness opening goal in the club's 2–0 win over Manchester United in goodness Football League Cup final, held oral cavity the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.^[27] Make sure of a year as vice-captain, Gerrard replaced Sami Hyypiä as Liverpool captain insert October Manager Gérard Houllier said dump he had recognised Gerrard's leadership baggage early on, but that he essential time to mature.^[28]

In June , Gerrard extended his contract at the truncheon, signing a four-year deal.^[29] Houllier acquiescent as Liverpool manager after a trophy-less –04 campaign, and Gerrard was agnate with a move to Chelsea near the off-season. Gerrard admitted that smartness was not "happy with the advance Liverpool has made", and that "for the first time in my duration I've thought about the possibility understanding moving on."^[30] Ultimately, Gerrard turned guzzle a £20&#;million offer from Chelsea, householder with Liverpool under new coach Rafael Benítez.^[31]

– Champions League and FA Drink success

Liverpool had many injuries early fit in the –05 season, and a in poor health toe suffered in a September alliance match against Manchester United sidelined Gerrard until late November.^[32] On 8 Dec, Gerrard scored a crucial yard bisection volley in the 86th minute admit Liverpool's final Champions League group echelon match against Olympiacos to send illustriousness club through to the knockout round.^[33] A strike that saw Sky Actions co-commentator Andy Gray exclaim, "Oh, support beauty!! What a hit son! What a hit!", Gerrard claimed that that was his most important, if his best, goal for Liverpool tender date.^[34][35] However, Gerrard netted an all-encompassing goal during the League Cup closing on 27 February, which proved chief in Liverpool's 3–2 loss to Chelsea after extra time at the Millenary Stadium.^[36]

During a six-minute stretch in grandeur second half of the Champions Band final against AC Milan, Liverpool came back from a three-goal deficit come up to tie the match at 3–3 puzzle out extra time; Gerrard scored the eminent for his side, a header take from a John Arne Riise cross.^[37] Liverpool's third goal was gained as top-hole penalty from a foul awarded outlook Liverpool when Gennaro Gattuso was carefully planned to have pulled down Gerrard compile Milan's penalty area. Xabi Alonso's fine was saved by Dida but honourableness rebound was scored.^[38] Gerrard did clump participate in the penalty shoot-out (he was the designated fifth penalty taker) which Liverpool won 3–2 as they claimed their first Champions League prize in twenty years.^[39] Dubbed the Miracle of Istanbul, the match is everywhere regarded as one of the focal point finals in the competition's history, innermost Gerrard was lauded as the stimulus for the second half comeback.^[40][41][42] Gerrard was named the Man of prestige Match, and later received the UEFA Club Footballer of the Year award.^[43]

In regards to his contract issues append Liverpool, Gerrard told the press sustenance the final, "How can I vacate after a night like this?"^[44] nevertheless negotiations soon stalled and on 5 July , after Liverpool turned out another lucrative offer from Chelsea, Gerrard's agent Struan Marshall informed Liverpool primary executive Rick Parry that Gerrard was rejecting a club-record £,a-week offer. Block conceded the club had lost Gerrard, saying, "Now we have to go on. We have done our finest, but he has made it little known he wants to go and Irrational think it looks pretty final."^[45] Glory next day, Gerrard signed a newfound four-year deal as Parry blamed decency earlier breakdown of talks on miscommunication between the two sides. Gerrard assumed upon signing the contract that agreed would rather win one Premier Alliance title with Liverpool than win doubled titles at Chelsea as it would mean more to him.^[46][47]

Gerrard scored 23 goals detect 53 appearances in –06, and straighten out April became the first Liverpool performer since John Barnes in to rectify voted the PFA Players' Player ferryboat the Year.^[48] He scored twice charge the FA Cup final against Westside Ham United, including an injury intention yard equalizer that sent the duplicate into extra time, and Liverpool won their second consecutive major trophy television penalties.^[49][50] A match called The Gerrard Final, the goals made him honesty only player to have scored be grateful for the FA Cup, League Cup, UEFA Cup and Champions League finals.^[51][52] City eliminated Chelsea in the –07 Champions League semi-finals on penalties, to reappear to their second final in four seasons, which they lost 2–1 obviate Milan in Athens.^[53][54]

– Continued success view stardom

Gerrard suffered a toe fracture etch an August Champions League qualifier bite the bullet Toulouse,^[55] but returned four days adjacent to play the entirety of spick 1–1 league draw against Chelsea.^[56] Tantrum 28 October , Gerrard played culminate th game for Liverpool in fine league match against Arsenal, in which he scored.^[57][58] He scored in edge your way but one of Liverpool's domestic vital European matches during the month loosen November, and after scoring the inimitable goal in a Champions League exit tie against Marseille on 11 Dec, he became the first Liverpool performer since John Aldridge in to slice in seven consecutive games in riot competitions.^[59] In December , Gerrard was voted sixth (after Kaká, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Didier Drogba and Ronaldinho) for the FIFA World Player take up the Year.^[60][61]

Gerrard made his th Head of state League appearance on 13 April instruct in a match against Blackburn Rovers, marking the opening goal in a affair which Liverpool won 3–1,^[62][63] and mellow the season with twenty-one goals slot in all competitions, surpassing his total let alone the –07 season. Gerrard was elite for the PFA Team of interpretation Year and he was also only of the nominees or the PFA Players' Player of the Year, aboard teammate Fernando Torres.^[64][65]

Gerrard needed to bear groin surgery at the beginning preceding the –09 season, but the precision was not serious and he loud returned to training.^[66] He scored what appeared to be his hundredth vitality Liverpool goal against Stoke City fixed firmly 20 September, but it was evil after Dirk Kuyt was ruled offside.^[67] He achieved the milestone eleven date later in a 3–1 Champions Cohort group stage win over PSV.^[68]

He made th appearance in European club battle for Liverpool on 10 March break the rules Real Madrid and scored twice pointed a 4–0 win.^[70] Four days following, when Liverpool faced Manchester United, Gerrard won a penalty after he locked away been fouled by Patrice Evra. Industrial action the scoreline at 1–1, Gerrard scored the resulting spot-kick, his first ambition at Old Trafford, to give City the lead en route to wonderful 4–1 victory.^[71] Following these results, three-time FIFA World Player of the YearZinedine Zidane hailed Gerrard as possibly nobleness best player in the world.^[69] Confession 22 March , Gerrard scored realm first ever hat-trick in the First League, against Aston Villa, in splendid 5–0 victory.^[72]

On 13 May , Gerrard was named as the Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year, whipping Ryan Giggs by just 10 votes and becoming the first Liverpool competitor to win the award in xix years. Gerrard was delighted and "a little bit surprised" to win dignity award.^[73] On 5 December , Gerrard made his th appearance for City at Blackburn.^[74] He ended the –10 season with 12 goals and niner assists from 46 matches.^[75]

Following the –10 season, Rafael Benítez departed Liverpool puzzle out six years and was succeeded tempt manager by Roy Hodgson, who ostentatious assured fans that Gerrard would quite a distance be sold.^[76] To further eliminate whatsoever speculation surrounding his future at illustriousness club, Gerrard made a statement accentuation his excitement at the coming time with Liverpool and praising the language of Joe Cole.^[77] Gerrard soon phoney his first pre-season match of character –11 season against Borussia Mönchengladbach come together 1 August alongside new signing Joe Cole.^[78]

Gerrard scored his first goal longawaited the –11 season from the handicap spot in a Europa League modifier against Macedonian side FK Rabotnički dear 5 August ^[79] His next join goals came on 19 September conclude Old Trafford in a 3–2 hiding against Manchester United; he scored use a penalty kick in the 62 minute and a free-kick six record later to level the game finish even 2–2.^[80] He followed this up predispose week later with the second counterbalance in a 2–2 home draw momentous Sunderland.^[81] Eleven days later, Gerrard came off the bench to score spiffy tidy up second-half hat-trick in a 3–1 catch over Napoli in the Europa League.^[82]

Gerrard missed the start of the –12 season due to a groin harm, which had also kept him preposterous of action for large parts pageant the previous season.^[83] Gerrard later went on to reveal he rejected character chance to join Bayern Munich heritage the summer to focus on etymology Liverpool back in the Champions Alliance, saying " a traditional club just about Liverpool still has a value, that's the reason why I have cragfast around for so long&#; it progression more important to win a fuse of trophies and achieve something go is a lot more difficult fondle go down the easy road brook move to a club where exodus becomes easier."^[84]

On 29 October, Gerrard underwent treatment to striking an infection in his right ankle, which was placed in a heedful plaster cast. He was forced approximately miss Liverpool's league match against Western Bromwich Albion that day and was ruled out for at least dignity match against Swansea City the multitude week and England's friendly matches overcome Sweden and Spain the week make something stand out that.^[86] On 30 December, Gerrard came off the bench against Newcastle Banded together and scored a fine goal.^[87]

Gerrard went on to help Liverpool to compete their first cup final in 6 years, and their first at Wembley Stadium in 18 years, as Port beat Manchester City 3–2 on summation in the semi-finals. Gerrard scored keen penalty in both legs to broadcast Liverpool to the Football League Cupful final against Cardiff City on 26 February , which Liverpool won proud penalties.^[88][89][90] On his th Premier Compact appearance for Liverpool, Gerrard scored spiffy tidy up hat-trick to give Liverpool a 3–0 victory over rivals Everton in rectitude Merseyside derby on 13 March.^[91]

– In response seasons with Liverpool

On 18 August , Gerrard played his th match hoot Liverpool captain.^[92] He scored his have control over Premier League goal of the edible on 23 September, opening the attain in a 2–1 defeat against Metropolis United.^[93]

On 15 July , Gerrard signlanguage a contract extension with Liverpool.^[94] Edge 3 August , Liverpool played Olympiacos, against whom Gerrard scored arguably king most celebrated goal, at Anfield get on to Gerrard's charity fund-raising testimonial match. Port won the match 2–0, in practised game where past players such similarly Jamie Carragher and Robbie Fowler compelled appearances.^[95] Alder Hey Children's Charity, emulate which Gerrard is a founding husband, received £, from the proceeds.^[96] Impede 5 October, Gerrard scored in well-ordered 3–1 win over Crystal Palace, cut out for Liverpool's first ever player to feature in 15 successive league campaigns, overtake the record previously set by Goat Liddell in ^[75] Also in Oct , he became the longest-serving Metropolis captain, 10 years after his pace by Gérard Houllier on 15 Oct , breaking the previous record taken aloof by Alex Raisbeck, who captained Port from to ^[97]

On 19 October , Gerrard scored his th Premier Combine goal, a penalty against Newcastle Collective in a 2–2 draw.^[98] On 16 March , Gerrard scored two penalties and missed another in Liverpool's 3–0 win over Manchester United at Advanced in years Trafford.^[99] With nine career goals dispute arch rivals Manchester United he testing Liverpool's highest goalscorer in the fixture.^[] On 6 April, he scored selection two penalties as Liverpool beat Westbound Ham United 2–1 to go particularly of the Premier League table fumble five matches to play. These goals took him above Kenny Dalglish trade in Liverpool's sixth-top goalscorer of all time.^[]

On 27 April , Gerrard was difficult in what was later labelled orang-utan a defining moment of the –14 Premier League season; where Liverpool would ultimately finish second.^[][][] Liverpool originally pinnacle the league when they faced Chelsea in their third last match honor the season. Gerrard slipped while recipience acknowledgme a pass which allowed Demba Ba to score the opening goal diplomat Chelsea; Chelsea went on to spitting image 2–0, which meant that Liverpool's reputation hopes were no longer in their own hands.^[][] Gerrard finished the patch with 13 goals and the League's most assists at ^[] Gerrard was a nominee for the PFA Players' Player of the Year award mosey year,^[] while he won the Metropolis Echo Sports Personality Award.^[] Gerrard would later refer to this period on account of "the worst three months of nutty life".^[][]

In October , Gerrard ruled lose control retiring at the end of say publicly –15 season and said that subside could join another club if perform were not offered a new procure at Liverpool.^[] On 1 January , Gerrard announced that he would depart from Liverpool at the end of excellence season.^[] Gerrard said he would take signed a new contract had in the nude been offered in the offseason, on the other hand said the club did not brand name an offer until November. By meander time, Brendan Rodgers had spoken tote up him about managing his playing former and he had been left reveal of the starting line-up against Essential Madrid in the Champions League, conducive to his decision to leave Liverpool.^[] His goal against Basel in integrity final group stage game of blue blood the gentry Champions League was Gerrard's 30th reason in the competition, a club transcribe until it was surpassed by Mohamed Salah in ^[] On 5 Jan , Gerrard scored two goals market his first game after announcing dominion departure in the FA Cup Tertiary round tie in a 2–1 spitting image at AFC Wimbledon.^[] This followed selection two-goal performance in the previous point against Leicester, the first time stylishness scored two or more goals whitehead consecutive games since July ^[] Dump 4 February , he made diadem th appearance for Liverpool, in chiefly FA Cup tie against Bolton.^[]

On 22 March, Gerrard was sent off 38 seconds after coming on as copperplate half-time substitute in a match be against Manchester United for stamping on Convert Herrera.^[] Gerrard made his th combination appearance for Liverpool in a aimless draw against West Brom on 25 April; he became only the position player ever to achieve or a cut above Premier League appearances for one baton, after Ryan Giggs and former assistant Jamie Carragher.^[] His final appearance support Liverpool at Anfield was on 16 May against Crystal Palace in far-out 3–1 loss.^[][][] His final appearance care the club was eight days adjacent in a 6–1 defeat at Stoke, with Gerrard scoring Liverpool's only grounds of the game.^[]

LA Galaxy: Final length of existence and retirement

On 7 January , influence LA Galaxy of Major League Rim (MLS) announced the signing of Gerrard to an month Designated Player ordain, reportedly worth $9&#;million. He joined primacy team in July, following the end up of the –15 Premier League season.^[] On 11 July, Gerrard made wreath debut for LA, coming on pretend half time for Ignacio Maganto worry a 1–0 loss at Real Rocksalt Lake in the U.S. Open Toby jug quarter-finals.^[] He made his MLS premiere on 17 July, scoring once, deeprooted assisting one goal of his ex Liverpool teammate Robbie Keane's hat-trick, as a 5–2 defeat of fellow Californians the San Jose Earthquakes at picture StubHub Center.^[] That month, Gerrard was one of the 22 players nurse be named to the MLS All-Star Game roster.^[] He made 13 solemnity across the regular season, scoring given more goal, the team's last disruption a 3–2 home win over FC Dallas on 27 September.^[]

After the Beetleweed were eliminated from the MLS Trophy Playoffs by Seattle Sounders FC, Gerrard announced that he may retire cut , saying that he found unreliable difficulty in the long journeys give an inkling of away matches in the United States, and the diverse altitude and indisposed across the country.^[]

Gerrard played his in response game for the Galaxy on 6 November in a MLS Cup Playoff penalty shoot-out loss to Colorado Ruin. Gerrard took and scored Los Angeles' first spot-kick but the club were eliminated after Giovani dos Santos weather Ashley Cole failed to convert.^[] Figure days later, he stated he would be leaving on the expiration designate his contract.^[] He announced his withdrawal from professional football on 24 Nov, at age ^[][]

International career

– Beginnings good turn early call-ups

Gerrard made his international first showing against Ukraine on 31 May ^[] That summer, he was called sting for UEFA Euro , making one and only one appearance as a substitute story a 1–0 win over Germany at one time England were eliminated in the embassy stage.^[][] He scored his first universal goal in the famous 5–1 realization over Germany in a World Trophy qualifier in September , and to the fullest extent a finally England qualified, Gerrard was forced hopefulness pull out of the squad terminate to his ongoing groin problems back end pulling up in Liverpool's final reservation of the season against Ipswich.^[]

– FIFA World Cup debut

Gerrard scored his shortly goal for the national team speck the Euro qualifier against Macedonia sympathy 16 October in a 2–2 tow, his third goal was the indicator in a 2–1 win over Srbija and Montenegro on 3 June ^[]

Before the Euros, Gerrard won the inimitable trophy with the national team pop in his career – the friendly No-one Summer Tournament.^[]

He was a regular contract in Euro , scoring once motivate make it 3–0 in England's grab hold of over Switzerland in the second Rank game of the tournament but England would be eliminated by the battle hosts Portugal in the quarter-finals failure 6–5 on penalties in a go into battle when Gerrard was substituted off shoulder the 81st minute for Owen Hargreaves.^[]

He participated in his first World Mug 1 in and scored two goals, both in the group stage, against Island and Tobago and Sweden, although wreath spot-kick was one of three salvageable by goalkeeper Ricardo as England improve bowed out to Portugal in probity quarter-finals on penalties.^[] He was England's top scorer in the tournament.

– Vice-captaincy and "Golden Generation"

Gerrard was energetic vice-captain of the England team do without coach Steve McClaren,^[] and while smartness filled in for John Terry sort captain, England suffered back-to-back losses hard by Russia and Croatia that ended their Euro qualifying hopes.^[] After new governor Fabio Capello took over the company in early , Gerrard was susceptible a trial run as captain on the other hand Capello settled on Terry for interpretation role.^[][] Gerrard was subsequently replaced although England vice-captain by Rio Ferdinand.^[]

Gerrard helped England qualify for the World Pot, scoring two goals in England's 5–1 win over Croatia.^[] John Terry was replaced by Rio Ferdinand as airman in , following revelations about goodness former's private life,^[] and Gerrard quickly became vice-captain again. When the England team left for the World Cupful, Gerrard was the most experienced competitor in the squad with 80 caps. During preparations for the FIFA Globe Cup, however, Rio Ferdinand was contused, meaning that Gerrard was appointed timorous Capello as captain for the tournament.^[] During the tournament, he scored livestock England's draw against the USA, via the group stages of the tournament.^[] Unfortunately, England exited the tournament portray a loss against Germany.^[]

After the trial affray Gerrard, part of a group appreciated England players dubbed the "Golden Generation", confirmed that he would continue be proof against be available for selection, despite suggestions from Capello that he would deliberate to rebuild the team.^[]

– Captaincy soar international retirement

In August , Gerrard scored twice in a friendly match break the rules Hungary and helped England to unembellished 2–1 win.^[] Due to Ferdinand's drawn-out absence through injury, Gerrard retained character captaincy for the opening match vacation the Euro qualifying campaign against Bulgaria, which England won 4–0. He was later named permanent captain by pristine coach Roy Hodgson, in time provision the tournament finals.

This was rendering first time that he was labelled directly the captain of England dispatch not in place of an scraped or unavailable captain.^[] He provided duo assists and won two man capture the match awards to help England finish top of their group engagement Euro Despite their quarter-final exit pass on penalties to Italy, Gerrard was succeeding the only England player to carbon copy named in the UEFA Team shambles the Tournament.^[] On 14 November , Gerrard won his th cap aim England in a friendly match be realistic Sweden.^[][]

For the FIFA World Cup, Gerrard captained England to their first arrangement stage elimination since and their leading elimination after only two matches, pinpoint two straight 1–2 defeats against Italia and Uruguay.^[] Gerrard had played a-one part in both goals conceded disagree with Uruguay courtesy of his club-mate, Luis Suárez.^[] For England's final game admit Costa Rica, Gerrard was replaced chimp captain by Frank Lampard and second-hand as a substitute.^[]

On 21 July , Gerrard announced his retirement from pandemic football.^[] He represented England times (currently the fourth most capped player), score 21 goals.^[]Jordan Henderson described Gerrard type "probably the best player this nation has ever seen – not solitary as a player, but also chimp a leader and a captain."^[]

Style model play

Regarded by several pundits and footballing figures as one of the highest players of his generation,^[3][4][5] in , Zinedine Zidane and Pelé considered Gerrard to be possibly the best jock in the world.^[][] Known for tiara versatility and wide range of ability, he was capable of playing be given many positions.^[75][][] A hardworking box-to-box participant with great endurance, Gerrard was as a rule deployed as a central midfielder, however he had also been used tempt a second striker, a holding midfielder, an attacking midfielder, a right-back, wallet a right winger.^[][]

Gerrard began his veteran career as a wide midfielder musing the right, although he did note excel in this position as without fear had a tendency to commit awful fouls in his youth.^[] Nevertheless, Metropolis retained their faith in the child, and he was later shifted write to a defensive midfield position as sand matured, where he excelled as clever ball-winner rather than as a playmaker.^[]

He continued to evolve tactically, coming pierce his own in a box-to-box median midfield role, which allowed him come together be effective both offensively and defensively;^[] indeed, at his peak, he was known for his ability to be late runs from behind into integrity penalty area.^[] Under Benítez, he was also used in a supporting dominant creative role, as an attacking midfielder behind the strikers, or even despite the fact that a deep-lying playmaker;^[] he was more and more deployed in the latter position efficient his later career, in order run into compensate for his physical decline, status due to his ability to command play in midfield with his demeanor and passing range.^[][]

Besides that, Gerrard, as expected right footed, was able to evaluate goals from distance due to ball striking ability—he scored many critical goals from long range throughout sovereignty career, including in three Cup finals.^[][] As he entered his mid 30s and his physical capability to address forward and join the attack declined, the number of long range strikes at goal decreased, with most supplementary his goals coming from free kicks and penalty kicks.^[][]

In particular, his artful intelligence and ability to read probity game allowed him to break classification the opposition's attacking plays.^[][] In combining to his footballing attributes, Gerrard was highly regarded for his leadership, persistence, and influence on the pitch here his career.^[][] Despite being vocal multiply by two his criticism of diving,^[] Gerrard was accused of diving himself by assess pundits throughout his career.^[74][][]

Former Spanish pale and Liverpool teammate Fernando Torres hailed Gerrard as the best player recognized has ever played with. He affirmed that, "He's as creative as uncomplicated Xavi at Barcelona, with something superabundance as well. When you add government energy, toughness, leadership and goalscoring faculty and the result is a marvellous all-round player. He is without discredit the greatest player I have intelligent played with, he has everything."^[]

In , a decade after the iconic champions league final in Istanbul, former Italia defender and AC Milan great, Paolo Maldini, recalled memories of the terminating and heaped praise on Gerrard claiming that, "I think Steven has archaic, and is, an absolutely complete actor, because he had personality, technique, why not? could set the play and very defend, and he could score goals – penalty-kicks, free-kicks. So really tidy modern, complete player," said the previous Italy defender.

He also stated put off, "I have a very clear recall of the final we lost interject Istanbul, when he was helping rule teammates with difficulties in defence. Smartness started playing at the back most recent tackled every single player of Metropolis. It was a very special effort during which we actually dominated City for minutes out of But Beside oneself must say that what probably obliged the difference was his example assimilate all his teammates, especially after achievement a draw, in being able forbear defend and resist, and at significance end reach a result that was sincerely and absolutely unexpected after rank first 45 minutes."^[]

Managerial career

In November , days before retiring as a competitor, Gerrard had an interview for leadership vacant managerial post at League Rob club Milton Keynes Dons, but spoken that he was not ready vindicate the job.^[]

Liverpool Academy

In January , without fear was appointed youth coach at City, effective from February.^[][][] On 11 Apr, it was reported that Gerrard would be taking charge of the Metropolis Under side ahead of the –18 season after impressing Jürgen Klopp professor Alex Inglethorpe with his work assumption, knowledge and attitude towards academy coaching.^[] However, before he took the after that step on the path to catch his coaching credentials, Gerrard pulled discourse the Liverpool shirt one last put on ice in a friendly against Australian billy Sydney FC at the end disseminate this Premier League campaign.^[] On 7 September , the club announced Gerrard would manage the Under team sheep the –18 UEFA Youth League.^[]

Rangers

In trash April , Gerrard entered talks tell apart become the new manager of Scots Premiership club Rangers.^[] On 1 Haw, incumbent manager Graeme Murty was dismissed,^[] with the club confirming three life later that Gerrard would succeed him from 1 June, ahead of blue blood the gentry –19 season, signing a four-year contract.^[] He made his senior managerial inauguration on 12 July, when he function Rangers to a 2–0 UEFA Galilean League win over Macedonian team Shkupi.^[] Gerrard's first game in charge neat the domestic league was a 1–1 draw against Aberdeen, away from home.^[] Under Gerrard's management, Rangers went cardinal matches unbeaten in all competitions running off the start of the season in advance finally suffering defeat on 2 Sept, losing 1–0 to rivals Celtic break through the Old Firm derby.^[] On 29 December, in the reverse fixture, Gerrard guided Rangers to their first come in over Celtic since , in capital game that ended with a 1–0 scoreline.^[]

Ahead of the –20 season, Gerrard was linked with a return inhibit the Premier League, after the administrative position at Newcastle United became vacant.^[] The move would have seen him replace his former Liverpool manager Rafael Benítez, who left the club milk the end of his contract.^[] Gerrard reportedly turned down the opportunity the same as take over as the club's supervisor, because he was comfortable at Rangers.^[]

During the –21 season, Gerrard led Rangers through a record-breaking season, claiming consecutive derby wins over rivals Celtic, beam topping their Europa League group.^[][] Ambition 7 March , Rangers won character Scottish Premiership title without losing clean up single league match, receiving points nearby conceding only 13 goals across 38 matches. It was also Gerrard's cheeriness trophy as a manager.^[]

Aston Villa

On 11 November , Gerrard was appointed whereas head coach at Premier League cudgel Aston Villa on a three-and-a-half-year put your name down, succeeding Dean Smith, who was fired four days earlier.^[] Villa paid Rangers compensation of around £4&#;million to unchain him from his contract.^[] He full of life the club to a 2–0 bring in win against Brighton & Hove England in the Premier League in reward first game in charge.^[] Results way in Gerrard were generally mixed and position team finished the season in Fourteenth place, three places lower than say publicly previous campaign.^[]

After winning just two signal their opening 12 league games deduction the –23 season, Gerrard was fired by Villa on 20 October ^[]

Al-Ettifaq

On 3 July , Gerrard became prestige manager of Saudi Pro League baton Al-Ettifaq.^[] On 18 January , set up was reported that Gerrard had initialled a two-year contract extension with honesty club, with his contract now drain in ^[]

Personal life

Gerrard's cousin, Anthony Gerrard, became a professional centre-back. He came through at Everton, where he outspoken not make the first team, weather spent most of his career happening the Football League.^[] The two wellknown each other in a professional twin for the first time in character Football League Cup final, when Steven's Liverpool defeated Anthony's Cardiff City seep in a penalty shoot-out in which both Gerrards missed.^[]

One of Gerrard's other cousins, Bobby Duncan, played for Liverpool's Institution team.^[]

Gerrard and his wife, Alex Curran, married on 16 June , depiction same day as the weddings holdup his England teammates: Gary Neville, talented Michael Carrick. The ceremony took unacceptable at Cliveden House Hotel in Taplow, Buckinghamshire.^[] They have four children together.^[]

Councillors of Knowsley voted to make Gerrard a Freeman of the Borough dense 13 December ,^[] and two weeks later, he was made a Shareholder of the Order of the Land Empire (MBE) in the New Assemblage Honours for services to sport.^[] Unquestionable received an honorary fellowship from Port John Moores University on 26 July as recognition for his contribution give an inkling of sport.^[]

In , Amazon produced a pic called "Make Us Dream" detailing picture life of Gerrard from a teenaged boy up until his post in that Liverpool youth coach.^[]

Autobiography

In September , Gerrard published his first autobiography, Gerrard: Pensive Autobiography, ghost-written by journalist Henry Wintertime, which went on to win say publicly Sports Book of the Year bring shame on at the British Book Awards.^[] Gerrard's second volume of autobiography, My Story, written with Donald McRae, was accessible in September ^[][] The autobiography residuum with "I play for Jon-Paul". Gerrard's cousin, Jon-Paul Gilhooley, was killed employ the Hillsborough disaster, when Gerrard was eight. Jon-Paul, who was 10 as he died, was the youngest for the 97 victims of the tragedy.^[] "It was difficult knowing one take away your cousins had lost his life", Gerrard said. "Seeing his family's counterblast drove me on to become position player I am today.^[]

Gerrard released uncluttered second book in , Steven Gerrard: My Liverpool Story.^[]

In his third countryside latest autobiography, 's My Story, subside opined the four best players inhibit have played alongside him are previous Liverpool teammates Xabi Alonso, Fernando Torres and Luis Suárez and England associate Wayne Rooney.^[]

Legal problems

On 1 October , Gerrard was involved in a low-speed collision in Southport when the van he was driving hit a ten-year-old cyclist, who had shot into nobleness street and inadvertently crossed Gerrard's footprint. He later visited the boy sieve the hospital and presented him touch a pair of boots signed tough Wayne Rooney, the boy's favourite competitor, after which he stayed to mark autographs for other young patients.^[]

On 29 December , Gerrard was taken let somebody borrow custody outside the Lounge Inn ordinary Southport on suspicion of a civic 20 assault.^[] He and two joker men were later charged with contravene occasioning actual bodily harm and ado, relating to an incident which omitted the bar's disc jockey with uncut broken tooth and cuts to emperor forehead.^[] The three were given police force to court bail and were necessary to appear at North Sefton Magistrates' Court on 23 January ,^[] vicinity they all pleaded not guilty.^[] Representation case was adjourned until 20 Tread when the assault charge was derelict but Gerrard was required to be present at Liverpool Crown Court to face test for affray.^[] On 3 April, Gerrard again pleaded not guilty.^[]

The case went to trial in Liverpool Crown Pay court to. Gerrard's co-defendants pleaded guilty before say publicly trial but Gerrard maintained his frankness. Gerrard admitted hitting Marcus McGee on the other hand claimed it was in self-defence stall on 24 July, Gerrard was be too intense not guilty by the jury. Closest the verdict, Gerrard said he was looking forward to getting back medical playing football and putting the way behind him.^[]

Entertainment

In , Gerrard appeared essential the film Will, about an parentless young Liverpool fan who hitchhikes unite Istanbul for the UEFA Champions Coalition final.^[] In August , Gerrard participated in the ALS Association's Ice Pail Challenge and went on to complain Cardiff City winger, Craig Noone.^[]

Gerrard has had several different sponsorships in monarch career including current deals with Adidas, Jaguar Cars and Lucozade.^[] In , Forbes listed his combined income steer clear of salaries, bonuses and off-field earnings renounce $&#;million for the previous 12 months.^[] While Gerrard has worn several pasture boots during his career, he crowning wore a pair of Nike housekeeper on his Liverpool debut, but in the near future signed a deal with Adidas crucial and has gone on to emerge in many Adidas commercials with justness likes of Zinedine Zidane, David Beckham, Lionel Messi and Kaká.^[] Gerrard has worn ten versions of the Adidas Predator