New Aston Villa star Boubacar Kamara admits Steven Gerrard 's above and beyond approach to secure his services sold him on a switch to the English Premier League.
And the ex- Rangers boss would be keen to now use his famed powers of persuasion on former Rangers standout Calvin Bassey before the summer window closes.
Former Marseille star Kamara was being tracked by the cream of European football and eyebrows were raised when he plumped for the Midlands club.
He reckons the choice was straightforward, however, after the Liverpool legend jetted to France to sell him in person on his Villa masterplan for the future.
And Kamara says once one of the greatest midfielder of his generation was sat across from him then it became a simple choice on where to go next.
Speaking to RMC Sport, he said: “It’s my choice. I had this feeling with Aston Villa, and I was very happy.
“When the coach comes to see you at home, when he makes the trip, when he explains the project, his ambition for me in the years to come, I take this into account.
“Especially when it comes from Steven Gerrard, one of the best midfielders in the world in his position. It leaned in my decision. I can’t wait to join him to work.”
Aston Villa 's interest in £25m-rated Bassey might not need the same convincing considering the pair worked together for 18 months in Glasgow.
But it's a timely reminder of the box office appeal Rangers once benefited from in the past as the Villans' focus turns to Bassey.
Gerrard has been busy this summer and has landed three marquee arrivals in the aforementioned Kamara, Diego Carlos from Sevilla and the permanent capture of Philippe Coutinho.
