Gerrard makes his debut against Blackburn Rovers in 1998
Steven Gerrard, assuming he plays of course, will make his 500th Liverpool appearance on Saturday when the reds travel to Blackburn Rovers.
It was against Blackburn that the club captain made his Liverpool debut, 11 years ago.
The player reflected on his Liverpool career so far.
“It means everything to me personally to get to 500 games because I’m a local boy.
“My dream when I was young was always just to play one game for Liverpool so to reach this milestone is a really proud moment for myself and my family.
“Around the time I made my debut my dad was always saying to me ‘you are so close to getting your chance’. I was just praying that chance came along.
“At the time we had injuries to big players like Steve McManaman and Paul Ince and I managed to sneak on as a sub.
“That was against Blackburn and now 500 games later I’ll be starting as captain against them this weekend.
“I’ve had an amazing career so far and hopefully it will continue to go the same way. I’m living the dream.”
Putting aside his important personal milestone Gerrard also reflected that at present, and with Chelsea’s devastating form, Liverpool are out of the title race. However, he refuses to give in just yet.
“We were so close last season but with virtually the same group of players we have under-achieved so far this season.
“What we’ve learned is that if you under perform you will fall behind as we’ve done.
“But I’ve got total belief in my team-mates that moving forward we can challenge for it. It has been too long since the club won the title and because it’s missing from my collection it’s the one I’m most desperate for.
“It’s a very difficult trophy to win but we won’t stop trying.”
Liverpool’s top 5 (Appearances)
1. Ian Callaghan (857)
2. Ray Clemence and Emyln Hughes (665)
4. Ian Rush (660)
5. Phil Neal (650)
Steven Gerrard is in 13th place, with Kenny Dalglish above him with 515 appearances. Jamie Carragher is in 9th place with 596 appearances
“But I’ve got total belief in my team-mates that moving forward we can challenge for it.
Seems Stevies belief is misplaced! Watching Lpool today was agony! They were crap!! And that is how they have been all season. Well done RAFA!!! Here we are in a position where even Blackburn were the better team! And the only player not available today was Torres. Of course he would probably have made a difference, but are we saying we dont have a team or a chance, even against the lowere escelons, without him?
What a mess!!! Happy 500th Stevie.
I for one would not be surprised to see Stevie giving up and “taking the money” this summer with a move away! It looks a no hoper staying with this lot!! It is looking more and more that RAFA doesn’t know what he is doing!
He still cannot trust plaing Aquilani in place of Lucas. Anyoner know why RAFA bought him??? Doesn’t look as if it was as an attacking midfielder to replace Alonso. If he cannot risk playing him against Blackburn, he cannot risk him against anyone, so he may as well sell him on in the January Transfer Window. Maybe he could raise enough to buy another defender instead???
As any reader may guess, I am absoluted disgusted and ashamed watching Lpool this year!!!
A true Liverpool Legend. Congrulations goes out to you Stevie. YNWA