Featured Image Credit: BT Sport's Clare Balding Show
Topics: Steven Gerrard, Jose Mourinho, Liverpool, Premier League
Jack Kenmare
Topics: Steven Gerrard, Jose Mourinho, Liverpool, Premier League
As they sat next to each other, Jose Mourinho was asked "what happened" when he tried to sign Steven Gerrard – and his response speaks volumes about the latter's affinity to Liverpool Football Club.
It is safe to say Mourinho was a huge fan of Gerrard.
The self-proclaimed 'Special One' made multiple attempts to sign the midfielder during managerial spells at Chelsea, Inter Milan and Real Madrid but they never materialised, with Gerrard intent on staying at Anfield.
Advert
In fact, Mourinho once declared that his dream was to have Claude Makelele, Frank Lampard and Gerrard in his midfield at Stamford Bridge.
After his career was over, Gerrard opened up on those offers. "I have had a couple of options through my career to go to Real Madrid but I resisted temptation because of the feeling I had for my hometown club," he said.
"It might be something I regret down the line for not challenging myself and experiencing another country but I would have had an even bigger regret leaving Liverpool. I had a great admiration for Madrid but for me Liverpool is my No 1 club."
Gerrard did, however, admit that he would have played under Mourinho if he wasn't a Liverpool fan.
Advert
And when the pair were sat side-by-side on BT Sport's Clare Balding Show in 2015, Mourinho opened up on trying to "woo" Gerrard on three separate occasions.
When asked why it didn't happen, the Portuguese coach said: "His blood spoke. And he decided to stay at Liverpool."
Gerrard also revealed his respect for the now-Fenerbahce coach during the show, and opened up on a letter Mourinho sent him.
Advert
"It was after a charity match that we held at Anfield. John Terry, who was kind enough to make his way down and do his bit for charity, handed me a letter. He said 'open it it. It's a bit of a surprise for you.'
"When I got home I opened the letter and it was from this fella (Mourinho). It was a very touching message.
"The letter is now in a frame, in pride of place in my house, that's what it means to me - and it was a nice touch which shows what he gives to players off the pitch - even players who have been a rival and who have turned him down on two or three occasions."
Gerrard added: "He's still humble enough and a gentleman to take the time to write me a letter."