Reds legend Alan Hansen: Liverpool FC must keep hold of skipper Steven Gerrard

03 April 2010 15:16
Former Liverpool captain Alan Hansen believes keeping Steven Gerrard at Anfield is crucial to the club's aspirations of success.[LNB]The Reds midfielder is desperate to win the Barclays Premier League with his hometown club but another disappointing season has only increased speculation he may look for a new challenge as he turns 30 in May.[LNB]Midweek reports in Italy suggested Inter Milan were preparing a bid of £28million plus striker Mario Balotelli but it remains to be seen if that ever gets off the ground.[LNB]Leaving Liverpool would be a huge wrench for Gerrard, while Inter manager Jose Mourinho has hardly committed his long-term future to the club by stating this week he does not like Italian football.[LNB]Hansen insists holding on to the England midfielder represents the Merseysiders' best chance of success in the near future.[LNB]'Liverpool supporters love him, he is part of the place. If he doesn't play there is something missing,' said the Scot, who won eight league titles and three European Cups with the club.[LNB]'It is just great to have players of the quality of Fernando Torres and Gerrard in the team because with those two in the team Liverpool can beat anyone.'[LNB]Gerrard admitted last weekend he had failed to reach his own high standards this season.

Source: Liverpool_Echo