Source: SKY_Sports
Gerrard - I have matured
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has revealed he is 'really pleased' that his off-field problems have not affected his form this season.
Gerrard has pleaded not guilty to a charge of affray following an alleged incident at a nightclub in late December following Liverpool's win at Newcastle United.
There were suggestions that the midfielder's performances on the pitch could suffer as a result of the charge, but Gerrard was a key figure in the Reds' ultimately unsuccessful bid for the Premier League title.
The 28-year-old admits his form may have been affected by such issues a few seasons ago, but believes his increased maturity has enabled him to maintain his performance level.
"I've had to deal with a situation this season that's been difficult and if that had happened to me four or five years ago, it would have affected my form, I've no doubts about that," the Footballer of the Year told The People.
"But with age, experience and maturity I have learned to park my problems or things on my mind until after a game. I have learned to deal with it in my own way and get on with life.
"I am really pleased I'm at the age now where if there is a problem or something's not going right I can park it to one side and deal with it.
"I have had to be professional and even more focused and I have to thank my manager Rafa and my team-mates for helping me get through this season because it hasn't been easy.
"And that's why I am really pleased with myself for the way I have dealt with it and how I haven't let it affect my football."
Gerrard also confirmed that he expects to sign the new four-year contract he agreed last month within the next few weeks.
He added: "I am on the verge of signing it now, there are just a couple of minor details, so I am hoping I can sign it before I go off on my holidays.
"This is a big contract for me and it's likely to be my final one. It takes me to 33, but I feel I'm in the prime of my footballing career at the moment. I feel confident and strong and I feel really good when I'm out on the pitch.
"The aim for me now is to stay fit for the next four years and try to play as many games as I can and win as many trophies as I can.
"I'm getting greedy when it comes to winning trophies because I know I have to win as many as I can before it's too late.''
