Zinedine Zidane has revealed that he spoke to Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, about signing Steven Gerrard from Liverpool in 2004.
The Reds captain turned down the chance to swap Anfield for the Santiago Bernabeu on two occasions, to continue his career with his boyhood club.
Gerrard confirmed he will finally be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season, after a 26-year association with the Premier League team and Zidane has showered encomiums on the 34-year-old.
“I have said in the past that at his peak he was the best in the world,” Zidane said.
“I think it was the summer of 2004 I was having a conversation with Florentino (Perez) and I told him I wanted him to partner me in midfield for Madrid.
“I know the club tried twice but he wouldn’t leave Liverpool. Not many players turn down Real Madrid but I think that tells you a lot about the loyalty of the man.”
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