New Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard had a very honest response to Sir Alex Ferguson not rating him as highly as many others did.
In his 2013 autobiography, Fergie wrote: "I'm one of the few who felt Gerrard was not a top, top player."
The Liverpool legend was asked about those surprising comments during an appearance on The Clare Balding Show a few years back and admitted he was "a little but gutted" but "won't sleep lose over it".
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He also revealed that he once had a trial as a youngster and Fergie later made an attempt to bring him to Manchester United when he was a first-teamer.
"I went on trial at Manchester United when I was 13 and had a letter off them wanting to sign me on a seven-year-deal," Gerrard said on the BT Sport show.
"I'm a huge fan of Alex Ferguson and what he's done in the game is fantastic, that's the reason why he's sold that many copies in the first week. I was genuinely a little bit gutted when I read that, the reaction of the papers, when he said I'm not a top, top player. But I won't lose sleep over it, everyone is entitled to their opinion.
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"He tried to sign me in early 2002/03, he tried to sign me again to play for United, I obviously refused, so I can't really take it to heart too much. But I'm a bit gutted because I'm a big fan of his."
Gerrard will be hoping he can emulate that on-pitch success in the dugout in his first Premier League job.
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The 41-year-old replaces Dean Smith at Villa Park and has left Scottish Premiership champions Rangers.
A reported compensation package of between £3 million-£4 million has been agreed with Rangers for Gerrard and his assistant Gary McAllister.
Gerrard said: "Aston Villa is a club with a rich history and tradition in English football and I am immensely proud to become its new Head Coach.
"In my conversations with Nassef [Sawiris], Wes [Edens] and the rest of the Board, it was apparent how ambitious their plans are for the club and I am looking forward to helping them achieve their aims.
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"I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everybody associated with Glasgow Rangers for giving me the opportunity to manage such an iconic football club.
"Helping them secure a record-breaking 55th league title will always hold a special place in my heart. I would like to wish the players, staff and supporters the very best for the future."
Featured Image Credit: ManUtd/YouTube, PA Images & BT Sport/YouTubeTopics: Liverpool, Football, Sir Alex Ferguson, Steven Gerrard
