Liverpool transfer target Adrien Rabiot has revealed his fondness for the Reds after naming Steven Gerrard as his childhood idol.
Rabiot, 27, has entered the final three months of his contract with Italian giants Juventus, who're facing financial turmoil and look set to have to wave goodbye to the French midfielder this summer. That's prompted speculation surrounding Rabiot's future, with Liverpool claimed to have registered their interest in making him a part of Jurgen Klopp 's midfield rebuild.
The France international came close to joining Manchester United last summer, with football director John Murtough even flying out to Turin with the hope of sealing a move after reaching a £15million agreement with Juventus. United's transfer chief left empty-handed, though, as the player's extravagant wage demands through his notoriously difficult to deal with mother-agent Veronique were deemed too high.
Rabiot could still be on his way to the Premier League, however, as Liverpool allegedly line up a free transfer in June. A report from Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport in February, via Sport Witness, suggested that the Reds are considering a move, and now they've received a boost on the personal side of things.
Growing up, Rabiot idolised Reds legend Gerrard and followed the club because of him. Speaking to Tuttosport about a host of topics including his uncertain future, the 27-year-old said: "I liked Liverpool so much because I was a fan of Steven Gerrard who made me dream and therefore I followed the Reds. My other idol was [Zinedine] Zidane."
Although it seems as if Rabiot would relish the chance to play at Anfield, he hasn't ruled out signing a new deal with Juventus should the Serie A heavyweights be able to afford his demands. The Bianconeri have been deducted a total of 15 points by the Italian football federation this season for alleged financial wrongdoing.
"At the moment, there's no news, but we'll certainly talk soon," Rabiot confirmed. "Because in about two months the season will be over and we'll try to discuss it, but I'm calm. There is the possibility of leaving but also the possibility of signing another contract with Juve for all the reasons I explained earlier."
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The former Paris Saint-Germain star added: "I feel good in Turin, I do a good job at the club and there's a good relationship with the directors, my team-mates and the coach. He also helped me in two years as well as giving me a lot of confidence. I believe that all of this is important to feel good and therefore make the right choice for my future."
Aside from helping them reach the quarter-finals of the Europa League, Rabiot has played a crucial role in Juventus' Serie A campaign and Massimiliano Allegri 's men would be comfortably sat in second place had it not been for their financial punishment. As for where they really are, the Bianconeri are seventh, seven points behind AC Milan in the final Champions League position.
