7 Jan 2015

Gerrard expresses regret over Reds exit

2:32 pm on 7 January 2015

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard says he would have signed a new contract had one been offered last summer with the football club he's had a 25-year association with.

Liverpool's Steven Gerrard

Liverpool's Steven Gerrard Photo: Photosport

The 34-year-old, who will move to the United States at the end of the season, has told the Liverpool Echo that learning he would not be playing in every game had convinced him to leave.

"Yes, if a contract had been put in front of me in pre-season I would have signed it," Gerrard said.

"I'd just retired from England to concentrate all my efforts on Liverpool. I didn't want my club games to be tailored. My injury record had been fantastic for the past two and a half years, and I had a great season from a personal point of view last season."

Gerrard will end his association with Liverpool when he leaves, with reports saying that Major League Soccer club the LA Galaxy are his most likely destination.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers offered the former England captain Gerrard a new contract in November, at the same time warning that he would not be guaranteed a starting spot in each match.

"It's all ifs, buts and hindsight now," Gerrard said. "That period between the summer and the end of November gave me thinking time."

Gerrard, who has played for Liverpool throughout his career, said sitting on the bench was not for him.

"I've never wanted to be a squad player. If I was missing games now, I'd be sitting out even more next season. I knew it would get worse and worse as time went on," he said.

Gerrard admitted that he had not expected to be told his game time would be managed.