"I had a couple of options to go to Real Madrid"

Posted Wednesday, October 22, 2014 by Marca.com

Steven Gerrard dreams of repeating Liverpool's goalfest against 'Los Blancos' five years ago, although he is fully aware that this season's new-look Real Madrid is a far stronger team than the one they faced back in 2009.

The 'Reds' captain was full of praise for Cristiano Ronaldo of whom he said 'I think now he is arguably the best player in the world". He also admitted he could have moved to Real Madrid a couple of times.

A challenge: "I think that Real Madrid are coming to Anfield with more confidence than ever. Madrid don't look at who they're playing, but for us it's a huge challenge, a bonus to play against them. It's a game for us to improve as a team".

Cristiano Ronaldo: "There were signs when Cristiano played for Manchester United that he was world-class. The figures he produced there were very good but his game has gone to another level since then. He has improved year-on-year. However, it would be disrespectful to the rest of the team to only focus on him".

Would you have liked to play at Real Madrid: "I think it is very flattering to be linked to a huge club like Real Madrid. I have had a couple of options through my career to go to Real Madrid but I resisted temptation because of the feeling I had for my hometown club. 'It might be something I regret down the line for not challenging myself and experiencing another country but I would have had an even bigger regret leaving Liverpool. I had a great admiration for Madrid but for me Liverpool is my No 1 club".