Steven Gerrard has disclosed he was tasked with persuading some of the world's best players to join Liverpool, including German World Cup winner Toni Kroos, as detailed in his 2015 autobiography
13:15, 01 Jul 2026
Steven Gerrard says he spoke with Toni Kroos
Steven Gerrard says he spoke with Toni Kroos(Image: The Overlap)
Ex-Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers called upon Steven Gerrard in an audacious bid to land German World Cup winner Toni Kroos.
Gerrard revealed that, in his capacity as Reds captain, he was tasked with reaching out to Kroos, who lifted the World Cup trophy with Die Mannschaft in 2014. In his 2015 autobiography, My Story, the midfielder recounted his efforts to lure the playmaker to Anfield.
However, Kroos, who was plying his trade at Bayern Munich at the time, ultimately chose to make the switch 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."
Kroos is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders of his generation
Kroos is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders of his generation(Image: Getty Images)
Offering his account, 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 subsequently established himself as one of Madrid's finest midfielders in recent times, securing four La Liga crowns.
He also captured the Champions League trophy on five occasions, featuring in both the 2018 and 2022 finals against Liverpool, with the German emerging victorious each time.
He hung up his boots following Euro 2024. Gerrard additionally disclosed efforts to bring in Willian, the Brazilian forward who eventually signed for 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 stated. "It seemed more respectful and allowed the player to read my message at a time when it suited him best.
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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 joined the Blues in a transfer to work under Jose Mourinho and spent seven years at Stamford Bridge, winning two Premier League titles – though no Champions League trophies.