Football
ESPN staff 9y

Cristiano Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane hail Steven Gerrard ahead of Liverpool exit

Cristiano Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane have praised Steven Gerrard as the Liverpool captain prepares for his final game for the club.

Gerrard, 34, will end his lifelong association with Liverpool to move to MLS side LA Galaxy this summer and Real Madrid legends Ronaldo and Zidane are the latest to pay tribute.

Former Manchester United star Ronaldo played against the former England international on many occasions throughout his career, and the Portuguese told Liverpool's YouTube channel: "Hello, Steve.

"Just to say it was a pleasure to play with you many years when we play Manchester against Liverpool. You are a fantastic player. I wish you all the best for your career and for your life."

Ex-France star Zidane, who faced Gerrard at Euro 2004, had suggested the midfielder might be the finest player in the world in 2009 after his key role in Liverpool's victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League in March that year.

Zidane, who is in charge of Madrid's Castilla reserve side, has now told LFCTV: "He's a player that I really thought a lot of, I had a lot of time for him and rated him. I can't say that about everyone.

"Why did I like him so much? Perhaps there was something about him that reminded me a little bit of myself.

"He made a lot of noise out there on the field but was quiet off it, meaning that he was someone down to earth and grounded away from the game who just said what needed to be said.

"He preferred to do his talking on the field, using his voice, his combative spirit and above all his ability on the ball that could make the difference in a game."

Real Madrid were linked with Gerrard during his peak years, and Jose Mourinho has confirmed he tried to sign him for Chelsea, Inter Milan and Madrid.

Asked about Madrid's failure to sign Gerrard, Zidane added: "I would have really liked to have played alongside him, but he has always remained loyal to his own club, Liverpool -- the club of his heart.

"That also is another characteristic that is particular to him, I don't think there are too many players who have spent their entire career playing for just one club.

"That is a great strength of his too. It was never possible, because of course he stayed with Liverpool, but I would have loved to play with a guy like him."

Gerrard made his final appearance at Anfield during last weekend's 3-1 defeat to Crystal Palace but could make a final appearance for the club when they visit Stoke on Sunday.

Gerrard, who has scored 185 goals in 708 games for Liverpool, has said he would be keen to return to Liverpool as manager at some stage.

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