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Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard | Mike Egerton/PA Wire
Steven Gerrard has opened up about having an affection towards Newcastle United.
Steven Gerrard has surprisingly confessed to having a soft spot for Newcastle United.
In a never-heard-before admission, the Liverpool legend has revealed the Magpies are his second club. His bombshell remarks are even more surprising as Gerrard was a thorn in Newcastle’s side throughout a 17-year Premier League career.
As a midfielder, the former Reds talisman registered 18 goal contributions from 27 games. Gerrard’s finest hour against Newcastle came at St James’ Park in December 2008 - when he bagged twice and created two more.
Steven Gerrard makes Newcastle United confession
Speaking to TNT Sports, Gerrard opened up about having a black-and-white space in his heart. Ironically, the interview must have been taken ahead of Newcastle’s trip to Anfield in January.
"I'm surprised I'm welcome in here (the away dressing room), to be honest," Gerrard quipped. "It's quite fitting actually because outside of Liverpool, if I wanted anyone to win the league, it would be Newcastle.
"They're my No.2 team in the Premier League. I've never, ever said that (before), but there you go. That’s life for you."
Newcastle United and Liverpool relationship
Newcastle and Liverpool, as similar cities culturally, have usually enjoyed an affable relationship. However, it is safe to say that respect has eroded in recent times.
The Magpies defeated Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final 12 months ago. To their credit, Reds supporters in London recognised Newcastle as the better team that deserved the triumph.
However, a bitter Alexander Isak transfer saga followed that damaged the neutral sentiment. The Swede’s refusal to train or play for Eddie Howe’s men left a sour taste, with Toon fans hate-watching Liverpool games until his broken leg in December.
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Eddie Howe reflects on Alexander Isak saga
Eddie Howe gave a civilised answer when asked about Isak before the two clubs met earlier this year. He told reporters: "You lose a player like Alex... And let's put this right, Liverpool paid the money they did because he's an outstanding footballer, an unbelievable talent.
“We were privileged to have him for the years that we had him. We loved working with him. He was an outstanding player. When you take that player away from your team, it's going to change the dynamics, that's for sure.
“Then you have to try to find a way of, not replacing him, but finding a player or players who can still make the team really effective. We're still in that moment and we've been trying to do that all season.
“I think the guys who have come in have done a very good job. But we're still finding ways to get the best out of the new players that we've signed without training, with very minimal time to do any work with them.”
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