Zidane: I told Gerrard I wanted him to partner me in the Real Madrid midfield but he refused to leave Liverpool

Zinedine Zidane has revealed he told Real Madrid president Florentino Perez to sign Steven Gerrard in the summer of 2004 - but the Liverpool captain would not leave Anfield. Zidane wanted the then-England international to partner him in midfield but Gerrard stayed loyal to Liverpool, turning down a move to the Bernabeu on two occasions. Gerrard announced on Friday he will leave Liverpool at the end of this season after 26 years, and Zidane has expressed admiration for the 34-year-old's dedication.