Topics: Liverpool, Steven Gerrard, Football, Toni Kroos, Willian
Steven Gerrard tried to convince two players to join Liverpool but both rejected him over text.
Despite being one of the biggest clubs in world football, it is not a given that Liverpool will manage to sign their top transfer targets.
In recent times, the likes of Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia both reportedly rejected a move to Anfield, with both opting to join Chelsea.
Former Liverpool captain Gerrard twice tried to lure players to the club but failed to do so on both occasions.
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The former midfielder revealed in his autobiography, My Story, back in 2015: “I had an unofficial role at the club, trying to persuade some great players to join Liverpool. In 2013, the latest player in our sights was Willian, the Brazilian midfielder. I followed the usual routine when approaching a star player we wanted to sign.
“Instead of calling him directly I always sent a text. It seemed more respectful and allowed the player to read my message at a time when it suited him best. A cold call felt wrong.”
Gerrard continued: “I slipped into the groove with Willian. 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, Willian replied with: “I’m not sure Liverpool can give me the Champions League.”
Gerrard then revealed he also tried to lure Toni Kroos to the club. He said: “We(Gerrard and Brendan Rodgers) both admired Kroos immensely. I knew Real Madrid were gearing up to make Bayern Munich an offer and so I felt a bit awkward when I texted Kroos.
“The German was on his way to winning the World Cup with his country and Real were the champions of Europe. But God loves a trier, and so I gave it a whirl.”
Kroos declined Gerrard and Liverpool’s offer, going on to become one of Real Madrid’s most important players in the modern era.
