It's great news, says King Kenny Jul 6 2005
By John Thompson, Liverpool Echo
LIVERPOOL legend Kenny Dalglish reacted by saying: "It's fantastic news."
Dalglish said after hearing of Gerrard's decision to remain at Anfield: "I think after the European Cup Final win, both Steven and the club wanted to continue the relationship.
"But for some reason we are maybe not entitled to know, yesterday it seemed as if that was not going to happen.
"But there is a totally different atmosphere now today and everyone will be delighted.
"In any conversation I have had with Steven he's been very positive and appreciative of the fans and the support they have given him.
"He's been at the club since he was 12 years of age.
"It's not corny - he really does love Liverpool FC. He could play anywhere in the world but is where he is because he wants to be there.
"I rate him very highly as one of the best players ever to play for Liverpool and if Liverpool were to make any signing this summer then Steven's signature is the best one they could possibly hope to have. "It's great news for everyone concerned and credit too to Steven for rejecting the money that was on offer from Chelsea."
Dalglish added: "Yes, it is the second time he has stepped back from the brink but sometimes if you really love something you can get a bit frustrated and act on impulse. I think you can excuse him that.
John Aldridge said: "Obviously I'm delighted as everyone buttociated with Liverpool Football Club.
"Players like Steve Gerrard and Jamie Carragher are what Liverpool FC are all about.
"It takes a big man to go back on what he thought was right and say it was wrong - so he's been honest to himself and to the club which is nice to see.
"He's pledging his future to Liverpool he's showing how much he loves the club."
news. I am delighted - he's a great player.
Le Dieu & Bolt 1629This is such utter nonsense that I can't actually believe you're serious. Are you saying that the CL has no average or weak teams? Who...
"I was very disappointed to hear the message that was being transmitted yesterday, because on the back of the Champions League success Liverpool fans all wanted Steven to be part of the move forward.
"So it was a great disappointment and upset to hear he was going to leave.
"For all Liverpool fans last year it was a nuisance with the constant 'Will he stay? Will he go?'
"But it's quite clear the fans love him and on the back of the success in Istanbul the club was moving forward and we would want him to be the backbone of the team.
"I don't question his commitment. He was obviously confused and the messages became a bit unclear.
"I think Liverpool FC thought he had made his intentions clear and there was a comfort in that.
"They thought let's take a break and negotiate when everyone's back together but somewhere there was some change in communication.
"But it's terrific news. He's a homegrown players and that's what the fans want more of and it's a great boost on the eve of the Champions League starting again.
"I think the Liverpool fans all hope this is a firm committal and we can move on. "
