Former Liverpool chief executive, Rick Parry, has recalled how Steven Gerrard was “adamant” he wanted to join Chelsea.
Jose Mourinho who was the Blues manager at the time, was desperate to land Gerrard.
Parry claims Gerrard even handed in a transfer request, although no move materialized eventually.
“Way too close. It’s quite interesting when you reflect on that time,” Parry told Liverpool Echo, when asked about the switch.
“People frequently say who are the signings you are proudest of and who gave you the most pleasure. In many ways it was Steven and Carra – keeping players is as important as buying them.
“Clearly, Steven came very close (to leaving) twice. In fact on the second occasion we thought we had lost him. The chairman and I went to see him at Melwood and there was no changing his mind. He was adamant but, fortunately, he did change his mind.”
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