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Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers says his skipper Steven Gerrard may
be "the best player to have ever played in the Premier League" and
suggested he can still play at the highest level of the game for
another two years.
Rodgers confirmed on Monday that Gerrard had been offered a deal to
extend his 16-year stay at the club when his current contract expires
at the end of this season, but his manager clearly feels he has more
to offer after he claimed his 34-year-old skipper has the staying
power to play for another couple of years.
However, Rodgers expects Gerrard to take his time as he weighs up his
options at the back end of his career, with some media outlets in
England linking the former England captain with a move to Major League
Soccer in the U.S.
"I love working with Steven Gerrard, he's arguably the best player
who's ever played in the Premier League," Rodgers told reporters.
"I've enjoyed every single minute of working with him here and I hope
that continues, but I need to give him the opportunity to think as
long as it takes in order to decide what he wants to do next.
"He's had 16 incredible years here and I believe he can continue to
work at this level for the next couple of years.
"Everyone knows his history at this club. What a player he has been
and still is. I see his talent every day and just need to manage that
and think how it can be most effective. I love working with Steven
Gerrard and I hope that continues."
Gerrard issued a brief statement on his social media account last
Sunday dismissing rumours that he had fallen out with Rodgers after
being left on the bench for Saturday's home game against Stoke, with
his manager insisting he wants him to remain at Anfield.
"I am categorical. I want him to be here, but there is thinking time
needed," added Rodgers ahead of his side's Premier League game against
Leicester on Tuesday.
"With Steven he is getting to that point of his career and he will
speak about the adjustments he needs to make. It is not about me to
speak much about that. In time he will make the decision for his
career, and we need to respect that."
Credit: ESPN
