Source: Eurosport
Gerrard: I'm Happier Than Ever
Steven Gerrard has revealed that he is happier now than at any other stage of his stellar career and is ready to sign a contract extension with Liverpool.[LNB]The Reds skipper is looking to cap an amazing fortnight by helping England overcome Slovakia in a friendly at Wembley on Saturday before the crucial World Cup qualifier against the Ukraine on April 1 as Fabio Capello's team look to maintain their 100% start to Group Six.[LNB]He could hardly be in a more confident mood.[LNB]Having helped dump Real Madrid out of the Champions League, beaten Manchester United at Old Trafford and score a hat-trick in the five-goal hammering of Aston Villa on Sunday, Gerrard suddenly finds himself leading a team with realistic ambitions of winning the Barclays Premier League.[LNB]It is a far cry from the dark days when it seemed Liverpool would never threaten at the top end of the table and joining Chelsea looked like a far more attractive option.[LNB]"I have never been happier throughout my whole career than I am at the moment," Gerrard said.[LNB]"I have two years left on my contract and if there was a chance to extend it, I am sure I would.[LNB]"I am playing in a top team, with world-class players and I believe in the manager. Going forward, I am sure we can be successful."[LNB]The relationship with Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez is the pivotal factor.[LNB]There was a time when Gerrard just did not understand the Spaniard. Played out of position on the right side of midfield in a team that lacked direction and drive, it was not so much a meeting of minds but a pair of heads hammering against different sides of the same brick wall.[LNB]Gerrard accepts there was an element of immaturity on his part.[LNB]"Maybe when I was a bit selfish when I was younger," he reflected.[LNB]"I used to think of myself a bit too much when he was playing me out of position.[LNB]"I should have taken a deep breath and realised it was for the team.[LNB]"But, at the moment, he is playing me in my favourite position, I am captain and we are winning. Our relationship has got stronger as time has gone by.[LNB]"For years and years I have moaned about not being involved in a title race and being far away from the others.[LNB]"At the moment, I am playing in a team that's capable of beating anyone in the league."[LNB]Yet Gerrard's exceptional recent form has just brought more discussion with England about his best position.[LNB]The subject of his apparent inability to play alongside Frank Lampard in the same central midfield engine room became tiresome for Gerrard a long time ago.[LNB]But it is an inescapable fact that the 28-year-old's current explosion of form has come as a second striker, operating behind Fernando Torres, rather than in the deeper role he is more usually associated with.[LNB]"I am loving it, which is why you are seeing the best of me," said Gerrard.[LNB]"I would love nothing better than to be given the chance to play there for England to try to find that form."[LNB]Such a move by Capello would come at a cost to Wayne Rooney, who has previously been thought of as an automatic choice in the deeper attacking slot.[LNB]"Wayne Rooney can play anywhere," was Gerrard's instant reaction when the potential problem was pointed out.[LNB]As Gerrard, David Beckham and Emile Heskey played little part in training on Tuesday and Peter Crouch was sent for a precautionary scan on a calf injury, it is highly possible Capello will be spared the task of solving the puzzling dilemma on Saturday.[LNB]In Belarus last October, Capello chose to start with Gerrard on the left, where Rooney has been slotted in by Sir Alex Ferguson over the years.[LNB]It is a non-position in a sense, as the occupant is given licence to roam.[LNB]"The manager has explained clearly that he doesn't want me as an out-and-out left winger," said Gerrard.[LNB]"He wants me to be free and to go into places where I can cause problems for defenders. It's only a starting position and I do feel I can be dangerous there."[LNB]Gerrard is keen to transfer his club form to England as, if Liverpool do go on to end their 19-year league championship drought in May, his international ambitions would be the ones with the biggest gap to fill.[LNB]"I am desperate to win something with England," he said.[LNB]"When we have been knocked out of tournaments, the hurt and pain is exactly the same as when you don't achieve something with your club.[LNB]"The challenge now is to get qualification sorted and then go into the tournament full of confidence.[LNB]"Winning trophies as a football player is what it's all about.[LNB]"I'm sure this country would be an unbelievable place to be if we were to achieve something."[LNB]
