Gerrard: I'm worn out
10 Jun 2007 - 13:03:18
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has said that a busy schedule left him exhausted in the closing weeks of the season.
Gerrard's 2005-06 season started in July with a Champions League qualifier against Welsh side TNS and ended over 11 months later when England lost their World Cup quarter-final to Portugal.
He played 62 games for club and country in the 2006-07 campaign, with England's 3-0 win in Estonia on Wednesday finally bringing his season to an end.
Gerrard told the Sunday Mirror: "I desperately need a rest - it's as simple as that. I'm worn out.
"Two-and-a-half weeks off after the World Cup wasn't enough to prepare for a hectic season, which included going all the way in the Champions League final and playing for England.
"It's been a difficult season for me but I'm getting married next week and I've got four weeks to put my feet up.
"Demands on players at the highest level can be excessive. It's a no-win situation because the more success you have, the more games you have to play.
"But it's going to be a big season next year for club and country."