Former AC Milan midfielder Andrea Pirlo has revealed that Steven Gerrard, who spent nearly his entire career at Liverpool, declined an opportunity to join the Italian giants due to his unwavering loyalty to his boyhood club.
Gerrard, a native of Whiston, progressed through Liverpool’s academy from 1989 to 1998 before making his mark at the senior level. He went on to become a Liverpool icon, firmly establishing his legacy. While he ended his playing days with LA Galaxy, the 114-cap England international remains beloved by Liverpool fans for his steadfast commitment to the club, even during periods when they were not dominant in English football.
Chelsea had also shown significant interest in signing Gerrard, a dynamic and combative midfielder. However, his devotion to Liverpool saw him make over 700 appearances for the Reds, collecting several trophies along the way.
Real Madrid’s current manager, Carlo Ancelotti, who once led AC Milan, also tried to bring Gerrard to the Rossoneri. Despite Ancelotti’s efforts, Gerrard’s unshakable loyalty to Liverpool ultimately prevented the move. Pirlo, regarded as one of football’s finest passers, recalled urging Ancelotti to pursue Gerrard as a potential midfield partner during his decade-long stint with Milan from 2001 to 2011.
Speaking to Mail Online, Pirlo shared:
“Carlo [Ancelotti] was like a father to me. We talked often, and one day he told me, ‘I want to sign Gerrard to play alongside you in midfield.’ Without hesitation, I said, ‘Sign him.’ He was probably the most complete midfielder in Europe at the time, and I would have loved to play with him.”
In 2007, just two years after Liverpool’s dramatic Champions League victory against AC Milan in Istanbul, Gerrard made the courageous decision to stay at Anfield, rejecting an offer from the then-European champions.
“A few weeks later, Carlo told me Gerrard had given a very firm no, explaining that his bond with Liverpool was unbreakable,” Pirlo recounted. “At that time, Milan were the reigning European champions, which speaks volumes about Gerrard’s loyalty.”