Well son... how do you want to go out...
Your career is nearing its twilight. Nearly all of your life, has been devoted to Liverpool. Every scouser knows you changed blue for red for good as soon as the flash went of that infamous photo that was taken of you as boy. You've grown up, you've become a man in these colors, you've become a legend. You are admired, you are a hero. You've done it all, with one glaring omission. But don't think that just because legendary status is given, that it cannot dissolve away. You know what it means to support this club, and you certainly know what this club means to the better half of the city. Do you remember much of the days before that matchday itch? Before remembering to bring a water bottle, and going home with scraped knees? Liverpool has been a part of so much of your life, it would be a pity to throw it all away now. Because it doesn't matter how many trophies you win somewhere else, it will never be as special because you're not one of them.
You'll be 30 this year Stevie, and not getting any younger. I can tell that it's getting harder for you to recover after matches, and there is more on your mind now than just scoring goals. You have a family, naturally there are responsibilities. But you have to know, that at the highest level, and with the injuries you've been having, at most you've only got 3 years left to be an everyday player. Maybe only one year left as a starter on any team in Europe, then two years on any team in the Premier League. Then your body will really start needing to recover, and these Wednesday - Saturday matches wont come as easy, and I know that you're already starting to feel that.
Think about it, after so many good times, so many good memories. After seeing all the faces of the people that have every sang your name at Anfield. It would be a dagger through the heart, felt across the world, but most of all at home in Liverpool if you were to leave now. Many bonds you've developed with teammates, and former players would be severed. Some things you just can't forgive. If you go, there will be the moving, adjusting to the city, and settling with the team. Because, Stevie let's be honest here. For the most part, new fans will expect the Steven Gerrard who scored all those cracking goals on youtube. They don't care if you're 29, they've paid good money, they want to see some results. If you aren't playing well, then don't expect them to stick by you as long as people here have.
I know that you yearn for the Premier League trophy, we all know that you want it as much as we all do. It will shut up the doubters for good. But if you got it somewhere else, would you really be that much of a legend? Yeah, City haven't won it since before most can remember. But you're not one of them, you can't hide it. You're scouse lad, that's clear every time you open your mouth. Do you really think you'll be accepted in Manchester? Winning it somewhere else would be an amazing high for a few years, but soon you'd be forgotten. Your name wouldn't have the longevity of others, because even at best, you've got 6 years left, and most of that would be starting from the bench on another squad. At least the squads you want to be in.
You've spent all of your professional career at Liverpool Football Club. All those highlights, awards, and trophies were earned wearing a red shirt. Think of all the good times you've had, think of Istanbul and what you've accomplished. You've played in matches that every footballer has only dreamed of, and won. Don't taint all those memories with one knee jerk decision. Yes, sometimes things get rough and they don't go the way you want for awhile. But that's a part of life, and this only gets more obvious as you get older. Steven, did you ever consider this could reasonably be your last world cup? Are you even thinking of that? Who would be wearing your shirt if you were no longer a Liverpool player?
We can turn this around, things have the potential to get better. If it's really your desire to go, then at least give us one more year to turn things around. Because Captain, you're the most important member of the squad. In times like these, the team looks to you for stability. If your head is somewhere in Madrid, then so is theirs. The thing with the owners is going to get better. If I go, then you can still thrive. Just think about your life, and think about these fans, and think about the privilege it's been being a professional footballer that is adored by all that matter. Because there are plenty of men out there that aren't, and would give anything to have your stature for 90 minutes.
We can do this. You can go out on a high note. You can be one of the greatest players the English game has ever seen, and that's guaranteed because you'd be the best that ever played for Liverpool and that alone puts you at the top of the list. So I want you to take this all in, and think about things in perspective. Think about all you've accomplished in the past, what's done now, and all that's to be done in the future. Then decide. But I think you'll find, the best choice is to stay with LFC.
So, what would you guys say to Stevie? We can't have his head even the slightest bit turned, even if he is stuck on the sidelines. I mean, he is a legend and it would be a catastrophe if he left the club at this stage of his career, not to mention on the pitch. Depending on how bad things get: there is a chance he could leave in the summer. Along with Torres. This thing with our form and the owners need to be sorted, so we can keep the players that hold together our squad. Gerrard's the type of player who at this point, knows how to train. Now it's up to him if he wants to train, if he wants to play, and if he wants to win.
« Last Edit: Jan 17, 2010 10:18:02 am by idwLFC89 »
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