The future of Steven Gerrard?

At the end of the 2003/2004 season, Liverpool finished the season empty handed and fourth place in the league, thirty points behind winners Arsenal. Chelsea were highly interested in the Liverpool man, creating some uncertainty about his future. “I haven’t been happy with the progression of the club in the last three or four years, as I’ve made clear in the media, and, for the first time in my career, I thought about the possibility of moving on to a different club,” he said. “A lot of things have been going through my head, and I will admit the possibility of leaving was one of these.” However, he insisted, “I am 100 percent committed to this football club.”

A year later, Liverpool finished fifth in the league, thirty seven points behind the winners Chelsea, and below rivals Everton. Gerrard hinted again this season there was some uncertainty over his future, despite claiming he was a hundred percent committed just a few months before. Liverpool fans rejoiced when they reached the European Cup final, not only because they had the chance to win a trophy, but because Gerrard had announced, “I’ve said all along all I wanted was to see the club going in the right direction and this shows we are.” Liverpool went on to win the European Cup, and it seemed as though Gerrard would live up to his word and remain with the club. This was not the case.

Gerrard hinted that there was a possibility he could leave, and when Chelsea’s bid of over £30 million was rejected, he spoke out. “I fully intended to sign a new contract after the Champions League final,” he said, “but the events of the past five or six weeks have changed all that.” It appeared as though Gerrard’s heart was set on a move to Chelsea, but within a day, the Liverpool skipper announced that he was in fact now staying!

Liverpool finished third the following season, this time cutting the gap between them and league winners to nine points, and Gerrard lifted the FA Cup, after a one man show versus West Ham. Surely now, the man who has claimed to be Liverpool through and through, is settled?

This season, Liverpool have really struggled, and some say it is at the hands of the manager, who started their 99th different first eleven in a row in their weekend’s game against Aston Villa. They currently lie in eigth place, eleven points behind league leaders Manchester United. Despite insisting he’s happy to play wherever he’s put, Gerrard has appeared unhappy to be used on the right wing, rather than his preferred and best position in the centre. In a recent game against rivals Manchester United, where Liverpool were totally outplayed, Gerrard spent the game looking frustrated and unhappy with his team mates.

The rumours have now started again. It looks as though Gerrard has missed out on his chance to move to champions Chelsea, with the blues having probably the best central midfield in the World. He would struggle to get a place amongst Lampard, Ballack, Essien and Makelele. Real Madrid, who have been interested in the player for the past two summers, are keen to sign him again. However, Rafa has said today that he will never sell Steven Gerrard.

Will this season be the third in four years that Gerrard decides he wants out? Watch this space.

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