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Steven Gerrard vital for Liverpool - Brendan Rodgers

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Steven Gerrard

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers wants to extend Steven Gerrard's contract after saying the influential captain has "still got so much left".

Gerrard's current deal at Anfield expires at the end of the 2013-14 season and Rodgers is eager to secure the 32-year-old's future.

The England midfielder has scored 153 goals in 609 appearances for the Reds.

"I don't think there's any question [we want to extend his contract]," Rodgers told Liverpool's website.external-link "It's vital."

Gerrard made his Liverpool debut in 1998 and captained the club to Champions League glory in 2004-05. He has also won the FA Cup twice, League Cup three times and Uefa Cup.

Steven Gerrard on his memorable Liverpool career

He has played in every minute of Liverpool's 18 Premier League games since Rodgers took charge at Anfield in the summer, scoring in each of the last two matches against Aston Villa and Fulham.

Gerrard has turned down opportunities to leave in the past, including a move to Chelsea in 2004.

"Steven has a real hunger to succeed. He's 32 years of age but he's still got so much left," Rodgers added.

"He's still been making the runs and his influence within the team has been outstanding.

"His influence for me, especially once he's started to understand what I'm looking for, has been absolutely first class.

"He applies himself every day, he eats well, rests well, recovers well, works well.

"This is a guy who has led his life focused purely on being a footballer. And that allows you to go on playing well into your 30s."

"He's been an inspirational captain for us."

Gerrard won his 100th England cap in the 4-2 friendly defeat away to Sweden on 14 November.

He wore the captain's armband in Stockholm as he joined Billy Wright, Bobby Charlton, Bobby Moore, Peter Shilton and David Beckham as only the sixth England player to reach a century of appearances for his country.

Gerrard's former Liverpool team-mate Neil Mellor told BBC Radio 5 live: "He has played and carried Liverpool for so long now.

"For me he can never leave Liverpool, it would be terrible if he did and I hope that he stays until the end of his career like Paul Scholes has done at Manchester United."

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347 comments

  • Comment posted by charlessy, at 14:36 24 Dec 2012

    I'm an Arsenal fan but have to say Steven Gerrard is one of the greatest players of the premier league era because he's always been there when Liverpool have needed him and he is a great leader on and off the pitch. I hope he finishes his career at Liverpool it would be fantastic.

  • Comment posted by User0676843913, at 15:12 24 Dec 2012

    Steve G is Liverpool. Despite his form this season, no liverpool fan should criticise him after what he has done for the club. He single handedly won the FA Cup in 2006 against West Ham, scored that wonder goal against Olympiakos and the first goal against AC Milan in the miracle night in Istanbul. Hope can we win few honours before he retires.

  • Comment posted by User0252824697, at 14:47 24 Dec 2012

    All I can say is this, "Thank you Stevie for all the effort you have put into the team since day 1. At times it has been the Steven Gerrard show as you have carried LFC. I cannot think of anyone in the world who could have outplayed you. We've had Pele, Best, Messi and you Stevie lad are right up there with them. I believe that when the times comes you will be the manager. Merry Christmas friend.

  • Comment posted by Si Liverpool, at 16:09 24 Dec 2012

    Love him or hate him, he'd be in your team! Mourinio tried to get him twice, Fergie has written he'd love him but he would never join Utd. They know a good player when they see one. A true Liverpool legend, one club man, loyalty. Won everything but the league and not as a passenger but as the heart beat. England captain and an inspiration. Luck he was born a red always a red. Cheers SG.

  • Comment posted by User0875448700, at 18:41 24 Dec 2012

    @ 106 Not the consistency of Lampard or the goal scoring threat. Maybe more raw talent but Lamps has scored a strikers goal tally season after season while running midfield.

    Gerard v Lamps a daft argument as both are great midfielders and if Lampard is allowed to go its rank stupidity. I would keep Gerrard until he is ready to get involved in the coaching. Both players a credit to their clubs.

  • Comment posted by User0034243644, at 18:14 24 Dec 2012

    Amazing how some people's hatred makes them post things which makes them look stupod beyond belief!
    Gerard is the only player in history to score in the Champions League Final, the UEFA Cup Final, the FA Cup final and the League cup Final, whilst winning those trophies!

    Yes, he's had a nothing career, hasn;t he?!!!

    utter mugs!

  • Comment posted by Anton Bardovitch, at 14:45 24 Dec 2012

    It's really important to sign up Stevie Gerrard for Liverpool. He has so much to teach the younger players, he also still has amazing ability to pass,tackle, finish and motivate his teammates ...... well done BR, the second half of the season is looking promising already

  • Comment posted by User0133291225, at 21:01 24 Dec 2012

    Yes, we don't get the pleasure of seeing SG bombing through the midfield and scoring 25 yarders as much nowadays. However, he still exudes quality in other ways (long range passes, important tackles, high workrate, excellent captain etc) throughout matches. He remains an important player for Liverpool/England and will forever be a legend and a role model in my eyes!

  • Comment posted by lfcazza11, at 15:19 24 Dec 2012

    Stevie G has a lot to offer off the pitch to our ever youthful looking squad
    YNWA

  • Comment posted by UK_Peasant, at 12:38 25 Dec 2012

    Of course Stevie G will sign a new deal, he's Mr Liverpool and will end his fantastic career with the club that he loves so much.
    From an Arsenal fan.

  • Comment posted by Eat_The_Rich, at 17:25 24 Dec 2012

    He was a top player 5 or 6 years ago but now he's more of a leader, someone for the youngsters to look up to. Bit like Giggs at United, he's worth more to Liverpool than he would be to anyone else so no chance he'll leave now.

  • Comment posted by Owain ap Gruffudd, at 19:50 24 Dec 2012

    @116 Ant

    Lol.....there we go, the MU troll appears. Shouldn't you be over on the other forum, where there is rather a lot of stick for SAF and MU. Has Williams been arrested for attempting to murder RVP yet with a football....lol..What kind of manager is SAF eh? A very very bad loser, who lashes out when he can't have it his way. Pathetic, but nothing new.

  • Comment posted by superfrank08, at 20:43 24 Dec 2012

    Neutral here, dont really know why united fans are going on about loyalty, remember ryan plowed his own brothers missus! An you got the audacity to question Suarez's morality over a misunderstanding?! Not very relevant buti dislike United

  • Comment posted by User0150387449, at 17:49 24 Dec 2012

    @80

    People used to say the same for Henrik Larson (when he was at Celtic) and Matt Le Tissier. Fact is sometimes there's more to a footballer than wanting to win the big medals. What if they're actually happy where they are? Gerrard has admitted he had his head turned by Chelsea, but he's a legend in Liverpool. But he does like Phil Collins, so the jury's still out.

  • Comment posted by Sam3691, at 18:19 24 Dec 2012

    im a spurs fan but i think liverpool take alot of criticism unfairly. they are clearly going to be a great side in the future if they can keep key players.

  • Comment posted by User0535902450, at 16:01 24 Dec 2012

    @37
    To be fair, Gerrard's dives are no more frequent than Paul Scholes's use of his arms to ''help'' the ball into the net.

  • Comment posted by User0780889298, at 21:37 24 Dec 2012

    @ 139 Completely agree! the fact he has won so many trophies at a club that have hardly set the world alight, shows what a good player he is. He dragged Liverpool through a lot of games and it's taking its toll now but he is still a fantastic player.

  • Comment posted by MrBrightside, at 13:30 26 Dec 2012

    I think the sadest thing about this whole thread is that - quite clearly - Dave has failed to enjoy his Egg nog and mince pies, and has instead spent his whole Christmas obsessing about SG, whilst repeating the same monotonous drivel repeatedly.

    Dave - have some turkey and enjoy Everton getting 3 points today instead.

  • Comment posted by greyhound, at 18:02 24 Dec 2012

    Hard to believe that posters are chastising SG for not having become a mercenary to suit the prevailing football culture of zero morality.

    I'm not a Liverpool fan but applaud Gerrard's ability,loyalty and humility.
    And he seems to give all for club and country and will always be remembered fondly for the 2nd wonder goal in the 2001 drubbing of germany.5-1-what a night.

  • Comment posted by User0216376032, at 18:25 26 Dec 2012

    336 I called you an internet warrior, not because we disagree - where did I say that? You are an IW because, like most narcisstic trolls, you are utterly convinced you are right, you believe you are making valid and useful contributions to the discussion whilst refusing to even acknowledge any point which refutes your argument, and all on a thread for a team you hate! Highly amusing at least.

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