Brendan Rodgers: I Want Steven Gerrard To Remain At Liverpool

Steven Gerrard Newcastle Liverpool Brendan Rodgers isn’t ready for life at Liverpool without Steven Gerrard.

Gerrard’s expiring contract has been in the headlines lately, and Rodgers chimed in Saturday, reiterating how important he thinks the Liverpool captain is to the club. Rodgers told reporters that he hopes Gerrard, 34, can agree to a contract extension with Liverpool.

“It’s quite straightforward. I had a meeting over a week or so with Steven’s representative, explaining the situation — I very much want him to be a part of what we’re doing here,” Rodgers said at his press conference following Liverpool’s 1-0 loss to Newcastle, according to LiverpoolFC.com. “He’s been a brilliant captain for me, in both his performance and captaincy at the club. He’s been fantastic.

“I relayed that information to the ownership — that we want to keep him here. I’m sure they will go away with that and then Steven’s representatives will hopefully organize a deal because he is very much part of what I’m doing here.”

Gerrard has been at Liverpool since he was 9 years old. Gerrard made his Liverpool debut in 1998 at age 18 and has captained the club since 2001. After 17-plus years as a first-team player at Liverpool, Gerrard faces the prospect of playing elsewhere.

Earlier this week, Gerrard told the Telegraph that he has no plans to retire after this season and will let Liverpool decide whether it wants to retain his services beyond this season.

Rodgers hopes Gerrard can join the mythical group of English soccer legends who spent their entire careers with one club.

“And, of course, he’s a unique player and a unique person with a special talent and someone that we want to offer that respect to.”