[lfc-news] Gerrard: I want to go - Echo

Liverpool Echo, 5 July 2005
Gerrard: I want to go
WORLD EXCLUSIVE by Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

STEVEN GERRARD has told Liverpool he intends to quit Anfield after
rejecting the club's new contract offer.

Chief executive Rick Parry was informed the news the club was dreading
today after Gerrard turned down a four-year-deal.

Chelsea are now expected to follow up their first British transfer bid
of £32m to capture the Liverpool skipper.

Parry told the ECHO today: "We desperately want to keep Stevie and we've
told him we don't want him to leave. However, in rejecting our offer of
a new contract he has indicated he wants to go."

A statement on the club's official website added: "The club has made it
crystal clear we want to keep Steven at Anfield.

"Sadly, he has told us this afternoon that he will not accept our offer
of an improved and extended contract because he wants to leave
Liverpool. We very much regret the decision he has taken."

Gerrard's agent, Struan Marshall, informed Liverpool of the decision
earlier today.

Liverpool say they will leave the door open for a change of heart and
the player will have to make a formal transfer request before he's sold.

Talks were revived with Gerrard and Marshall at Melwood last night when
a lucrative four year deal was offered to the 25-year-old.

By then, the Stamford Bridge club had faxed a British record offer for
the midfielder. Liverpool have responded by saying they have no
intention of selling Gerrard.

Said chief executive Parry today: "I can confirm we have had a bid from
Chelsea and that it will be rejected by us."

Gerrard spent the night agonising over his decision on Liverpool's
contract and was training at Melwood today as he mulled over his future.

Having rejected the deal, a week of transfer posturing lies in store as
Chelsea's first bid was turned down flat.

Real Madrid are also expected to join the race for Gerrard's signature.

Rafa Benitez will have no choice but to seek an early resolution in
order to fill the chasm Gerrard's departure will leave in his squad.

Liverpool FC today issued the following press statement regarding Steven
Gerrard.

"The club has made it crystal clear we want to keep Steven at Anfield.
Sadly, he has told us this afternoon that he will not accept our offer
of an improved and extended contract because he wants to leave
Liverpool. We very much regret the decision he has taken."

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