The Liverpool legend was given the task of helping to secure the World Cup idol
Steven Gerrard gestures
Steven Gerrard says he spoke with Toni Kroos (Image: The Overlap)
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Former Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers enlisted Steven Gerrard in a bold attempt to secure German World Cup winner Toni Kroos. Gerrard disclosed that, as the club's skipper, he was given the task of making contact with Kroos, who won the world championship with Die Mannschaft in 2014.
In his 2015 autobiography, My Story, the midfielder recalled how he tried to entice the playmaker to the Reds. Nevertheless, Kroos, who was at Bayern Munich at the time, eventually opted to move to Real Madrid instead.
Gerrard wrote: "I had an unofficial role at the club, trying to persuade some great players to join Liverpool. It was the same ritual every summer. The club would let me know which long-shot target they had in mind and ask me to contact him.
"Our target in 2014 was ridiculously optimistic. Brendan asked me to take a crack at trying to talk Toni Kroos into signing for Liverpool. I knew Real Madrid were gearing up to make Bayern Munich an offer and so I felt a bit awkward when I texted Kroos. But God loves a trier and so I gave it a whirl.
"Some of the best footballers in the world can also be the most respectful. Kroos did not make me feel like I was a total idiot. But, of course, he would soon sign for Real."
Providing his perspective, Kroos told The Athletic in 2020: "It wasn't a straight chat-up line, but they offered to tell me more about the club and so on. The funny thing was, [Luis] Suarez was about to leave to Barcelona anyway."
Kroos would go on to become one of the greatest midfielders in Madrid's modern history, winning four La Liga titles. He also lifted the Champions League five times, appearing in the 2018 and 2022 finals against Liverpool, with the German coming out on top on both occasions.
Former Real Madrid and Germany midfielder Toni Kroos
Former Real Madrid and Germany midfielder Toni Kroos (Image: Getty Images)
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He retired from football following Euro 2024. Gerrard also revealed attempts to recruit Willian, the Brazilian attacker who would ultimately join Chelsea.
"In 2013, the latest player in our sights was Willian, the Brazilian midfielder. Instead of calling him directly, I always sent a text," Gerrard said. "It seemed more respectful and allowed the player to read my message at a time when it suited him best.
Willian celebrates
Liverpool were interested in Willian(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 moved to the Blues for £30million to play under Jose Mourinho and remained at Stamford Bridge for seven years, claiming two Premier League titles – and no Champions League trophies.
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