Gerard Houllier says he is not surprised by Steven Gerrard is leaving Liverpool for a fresh challenge.
Houllier handed Gerrard his Liverpool debut back in November 1998 before making him captain and says he wants to play outside the Premier League.
“I’m not surprised because I knew he wanted a new challenge and it’s come at an age where he’s got to look at this future after football,” said the former Reds boss.
“I think he wanted to do something different. He didn’t want to stay in the Premier League, I know that. I was not totally surprised by it. I know Stevie and he would not play against Liverpool.
“All I know he is that he is a kind-hearted, generous person. You need to know the man first, who does a lot of work for charity. He’s a great person, a great character. He’s had to overcome injuries.
“He was an outstanding player for Liverpool in terms of technique, speed and power. He combined the three.
“And you need to remember the leader he was for the club. Nobody will forget the Champions League Final in 2005.”
Houllier also paid tribute to Gerrard’s professionalism and work ethic.
“He understood he had to live for his job and not use his job to live,” he told SkySports. “He devoted his time, energy, diet, everything for the job. That’s why he was successful and became world class because he made the sacrifices for that.
“He had talent, but he worked very hard on the back of that to be successful.”
Houllier believes Gerrard could return to Anfield one day as manager.
“Maybe it’s right that he has a break from Liverpool and maybe he gets through his different qualifications to be a manager, then I wouldn’t be surprised to one day see him become the boss at Anfield,” said the Frenchman.
“He’s always talked about the team. He’s someone who thinks team first and I would not be surprised if one day he becomes a successful manager.”
source: mirror.co.uk
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