Steven Gerrard was captain of Liverpool for 12 years and he spent some of his time as a leader trying to convince rivals to head to Anfield
Steven Gerrard.
Steven Gerrard had an 'unofficial role' at the club(Image: LFC Foundation/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
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Steven Gerrard tried to convince Willian and Toni Kroos to join Liverpool when he was leading the club as captain. The Reds face Chelsea on Saturday afternoon, with the Anfield hero hoping his side will overcome their Premier League rivals.
Despite Gerrard facing off against the Blues and Real Madrid in Europe, he did try to persuade some of their players to join him when he was still lacing up his boots for Liverpool. In his 2015 autobiography, titled 'My Story', the former Red revealed his 'unofficial role' included trying to get deals done for transfer targets.
However, he was turned down by both Kroos and Willian on separate occasions. Discussing his move for the Brazilian before he arrived at Stamford Bridge, Gerrard said: "I had an unofficial role at the club, trying to persuade some great players to join Liverpool.
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"In 2013, the latest player in our sights was Willian, the Brazilian midfielder. I followed the usual routine when approaching a star player we wanted to sign.
"Instead of calling him directly I always sent a text. It seemed more respectful and allowed the player to read my message at a time when it suited him best.
Willian.
Willian was a target for Liverpool(Image: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
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"I slipped into the groove with William. I said hello and hoped he didn't mind me contacting him directly, I stressed how much I admired him as a player.
"And then, having mentioned that I knew Liverpool were speaking to his agent, I used the standard line: 'If you need to chat or ask any questions I'm available at any time.' However, he replied with: 'I'm not sure Liverpool can win me the Champions League.'"
The midfielder ended up joining Chelsea for a fee of £30million to work under Jose Mourinho and spent seven years with the Blues. Ironically enough, Willian departed Chelsea without Europe's top trophy, while Gerrard secured one Champions League and came runner-up another time.
Later on in the book, the 45-year-old discussed his pursuit of Kroos. Gerrard explained: "We [Gerrard and then manager Brendan Rodgers] both admired Toni Kroos immensely.
Toni Kroos.
The Reds were also interested in Toni Kroos(Image: Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
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"I knew Real Madrid were gearing up to make Bayern Munich an offer and so I felt a bit awkward when I texted Kroos. The German was on his way to winning the World Cup with his country and Real were the champions of Europe. But God loves a tirier, and so I gave it a whirl."
Kroos went on to sign for the La Liga giants and became a hero for Madrid, winning five Champions Leagues and four domestic league titles. He then retired from football following Euro 2024, after becoming arguably one of the most iconic midfielders of the modern game.
While Gerrard missed out on some of his transfer targets, Liverpool still enjoyed plenty of success under his watchful eye as captain.