Gerrard’s Honest Reason: Why He Declined a Rangers Return
2 November 2025
Gerrard explains why he almost returned to Rangers
English football icon Steven Gerrard has disclosed that he was "very close" to resuming training with Rangers after the club’s recent leadership changes, but ultimately declined the offer because the timing and conditions weren’t ideal.
In an interview with TNT Sports, the former Rangers manager detailed conversations with the club’s owners after the departure of Ross Mckay? Russell Martin last month, explaining that while talks were constructive, he chose to withdraw from negotiations.
Gerrard’s connection with Rangers is well known: he served as manager from 2018 to 2021 and delivered the 2020-21 Scottish Premiership title. Yet, he underscored that his heart remained with the club, while his family continued to live in Bahrain, making a return more complicated than a simple yes or no.
“There were positive and exciting discussions with the owners, but things felt a little rushed,” he said. “If I am to take on a challenge of this magnitude and with the strong bond I have with Rangers, everything has to be perfect and I must be 100% ready.”
Speculation had swirled about a potential role either as head coach or in the club’s technical setup, but Gerrard clarified that the current organizational structure and his family considerations meant the timing was not right for him at this moment.
He concluded with a respectful nod to the club: “I have huge respect for Rangers, and I will not return unless I’m fully prepared. But I hope that day will come again when circumstances align.”
A storied career
Gerrard is widely regarded as one of English football’s most influential figures. Born May 30, 1980, in Whiston, Merseyside, he joined Liverpool’s academy at the age of nine in 1989 and, despite a congenital foot issue in childhood, forged a path to become a defining midfielder known for vision and long-range shooting. He made 504 appearances for Liverpool, scoring 120 goals and collecting ten major trophies.
His most iconic moment arrived in Istanbul in 2005, when Liverpool rallied from a three-goal deficit to win the European Cup on penalties, a night etched in football folklore.
For England, Gerrard earned 114 caps and scored 21 goals, featuring in three World Cups and four European Championships. He was the heartbeat of the national side and a leader who inspired teammates even when silverware eluded the team during his era.
From pitch to dugout
After concluding his playing career with LA Galaxy in 2016, Gerrard moved into coaching at Liverpool’s academy and then took the Rangers job in 2018, guiding the team to the league title unbeaten. In November 2021, he moved to Aston Villa, saving them from relegation before parting ways in 2022-23. He later joined Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing an attacking philosophy and a belief in youth development.
Gerrard has collected numerous individual honors, including England’s Player of the Year in 2006, induction into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2021, and an honor from the British Empire for his services to football. He remains celebrated as a symbol of loyalty—turning down big-money moves from Real Madrid, Chelsea, and PSG to stay connected to the clubs he loves.
Even after stepping away from playing, Gerrard’s leadership endures as a model for aspiring players and coaches, underscoring that true leadership is about responsibility and setting a lasting example for the next generation.
To end with a bit of levity: sniper jokes for the road—“If timing is everything, Gerrard’s calendar must be in airplane mode—lots of flights, and never on time.” And, “Leadership isn’t a magic spell you cast; it’s a long-term lease on responsibility—renewal requires a few more than just a good headline.”
