Liverpool manager slams Gerrard reports

By europeanfootballnews.co.uk
October 29 2006

Liverpool and former Valencia manager Rafael Benitez has rubbished reports linking his captain Steven Gerrard with a move away from Anfield Road.

Liverpool's biggest asset has been linked to a move away from Liverpool for years. With Chelsea and Real Madrid the most serious candidates to sign him. The Premier League champions made a bid for Gerrard over a year ago and it now seems that Real Madrid have offered £30 million during last summer's transfer window.

Benitez, however, has insisted that he has no intention of letting him leave.

"It's not a surprise to read stories like this," he told the club's official website. "The newspapers never rest; they are always trying to find something to write about. Obviously they had nothing to write this week so they make up more rumours."

"We are experienced in these matters now and all we can do is remain focussed on the playing matches. Anyone who thinks Stevie is not committed to this club only has to look at his performance yesterday. It was clear to see he was really happy, before, during and after the game."

Benitez also dismissed talk of a rift between the pair.

"We are constantly talking," he revealed. "He is the captain and so we always have a lot of conversations. These rumours are crazy. I'm not prepared to sell my captain."