Steven Gerrard has admitted he considers himself ‘lucky’ to have played alongside current Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson.
Henderson replaced Gerrard as Reds skipper following the Anfield legend's departure from the club in the summer of 2015. They enjoyed four seasons together as team-mates on Merseyside and four years together with England, including at Euro 2012 and the 2014 World Cup.
Since taking over from Gerrard, Henderson has established himself as one of Liverpool ’s finest-ever captains, leading the club to a first English title for 30 years, a sixth European Cup and winning every major honour on offer under Jurgen Klopp. Yet that hasn’t stopped Henderson from facing criticism, with the 32-year-old the subject of scrutiny in certain sections ever since he signing from Sunderland in a £20m deal back in 2011.
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Speaking at the Forever Reds Christmas lunch, Gerrard recalled what Henderson’s family said to him following the midfielder’s move to Liverpool as he lavished praise on the England international, before sending a message to his critics.
“He joined the club when he was very young,” the former Aston Villa and Rangers boss said. “I remember his family coming up to me in the players' lounge and asking me if I could be there for him and support him. That goes without saying for every player who wears the shirt and you share the dressing room with.
“He came here for big money and there was a lot of pressure on him. He’s had enough critics, all over the place, to last him a lifetime.
“The way he’s gone about his business, both on and off the pitch, I’m the lucky one who’s shared a dressing room with him and knows him as a person.
“He’s a fantastic guy, he’s humble, he’s got all the values this club stands for. And, he’s also been a wonderful player as well and he’s delivered big trophies.
“When you first put the Liverpool shirt on, it comes with responsibilities and pressure that you have to keep adding to the history. He’s delivered and no-one can take that away from him.”
Steven Gerrard was speaking in a Q&A at the Forever Reds Christmas lunch at Anfield. To find out more about the work LFC does in the community via Forever Reds and the LFC Foundation visit https://foundation.liverpoolfc.com/
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