SG interview in fourfourtwo

apparently the unexpurgated version of this is a good read but these miserable online f***ers won't let you see it all.

anyone read it? maybe 10 mins pissing off your local newagent will be worth it ;-) anyone read the whole thing?

STEVEN GERRARD-

"Can he play in the same team as Lampard. Will he ever change his hairdo? And did he have an imaginary friend as a child?

Did Liverpool have any initiation ceremonies for its younger players? If so, what were they? Smiler, Melbourne Yes, we have regular team bonding sessions and the new players have to sing, either when they sign or break into the first team. I had to sing Angels by Robbie Williams. I was allowed to have a couple of beers to settle my nerves. If you're no good then you get swilled. I managed to only get swilled by a few of them."

Ever thought of doing something different with your hair? A shoulder-length bob or a mullet, perhaps? Mark Fordham, London No, not for me, thank you. A short back and sides like I've had all my life will do. I'm not into messing about with my barnet."

If not you, who's the best midfielder in the world? What does he have that you don't? Stanley Evans, Bridgend Zinedine Zidane has been the best attacking midfielder over the last three of four years. He can score, create, pbutt and he has unbelievable skill. I just think that certain parts of his game are better than mine. He's more skilful and experienced for a start."

During the penalty shoot-out, you knew you'd be taking the fifth penalty if Andriy Shevchenko had scored. How were you feeling? Were you a bit disappointed not ot have scored the winner? Donal Ring, via e-mail I was absolutely pooting my pants. Terrified. I was very, very nervous, the most nervous I've been on a football pitch. But if someone had offered me a chance to scrub my name off and not take it, I would have told them that I still wanted to take it. I was glad when Dudek saved it though. A few people asked me if I was disappointed not to have scored the winner but I didn't want all the glory and I wouldn't change anything form that night. It was the best night of my life, apart from the birth of my daughter."

Rumour has it that Jamie Carragher had strong words with you on both occasions you were going to Chelsea. Is this true? Bob Barnes, Flixton He never had strong words with me at all. We spoke all the time about it and obviously he wanted me to stay, but we never had any fights like were reported in the media. I'm very close to Jamie, we're godd friends. Jamie is more into football than anyone I know. He thinks Sky+ is the best invention ever. He tapes every single sports show and watches them continuously. He's obsessed!"

Would winning the World Cup bring you more pleasure than lifting the European Cup? Simon Taplow, via e-mail Not more, but I'm sure it would be a similar feeling"

and here's a snippet from jurgen klinsmanns 04-05 CL select 11 and manager.

Centre-midfield Steven Gerrard Liverpool "Gerrard is constantly discussed and debated and he made the season complete with his performance in the final. One of the key players in the Liverpool side. I've got him in ahead of Frank Lampard for one simlpe reason: Gerrard got to the final. I love wathcing Frank - putting in all that effort, being everywhere on the pitch, scoring incredible goals - but Steven is just that little edge ahead of him."

Centre-back Jamie Carragher Liverpool "It has been fantastic to see Carragher play throughout the season, to see how he has improved. In the Champions League he has played really well against some big names, big opponents, and he has been one of the surprises of the tournament."

Coach Rafa Benitez Liverpool "You have to choose the man who wins the trophy."

-- "i'm just a soul whose intentions are good, Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood"