The Reds' talisman rues ever trying to force a move from his beloved club to the billionaire Blues.
Liverpool finally look like a Premier League force. Their stunning start to the season has propelled them into contention after several years as domestic also-rans.
Captain Amazing Steven Gerrard is, of course, the heartbeat of their surge, as they go toe-to-toe with Chelsea.
However, it could all have been so different. The England international may have reached these heights years ago had he managed to force his way to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea bid £20 million for him in 2004 and then £32m in 2005, at which point Gerrard handed in a transfer request, leading to outrage on Merseyside.
The botched Gareth Barry move from Aston Villa to the Reds had similar undercurrents. Martin O'Neill thinks Barry is best to stay put and Gerrard certainly believes he was right to stay at Anfield.
"It's only as you get older though that you realise how important playing for Liverpool is," he admitted.
"You cannot grasp that when you are setting out, so maybe that is why I look at things a bit differently.
"Looking back, I'm pleased how I have reacted. From the bad tackles and sending offs, to all the talk of a Chelsea move, which I regret getting involved in, and the own goal in the cup final.
"Without the setbacks, I don't think I'd have achieved as much as I have."
Now, he'll want to come full circle by pipping the Blues to the Premier League title.
Liverpool finally look like a Premier League force. Their stunning start to the season has propelled them into contention after several years as domestic also-rans.
Captain Amazing Steven Gerrard is, of course, the heartbeat of their surge, as they go toe-to-toe with Chelsea.
However, it could all have been so different. The England international may have reached these heights years ago had he managed to force his way to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea bid £20 million for him in 2004 and then £32m in 2005, at which point Gerrard handed in a transfer request, leading to outrage on Merseyside.
The botched Gareth Barry move from Aston Villa to the Reds had similar undercurrents. Martin O'Neill thinks Barry is best to stay put and Gerrard certainly believes he was right to stay at Anfield.
"It's only as you get older though that you realise how important playing for Liverpool is," he admitted.
"You cannot grasp that when you are setting out, so maybe that is why I look at things a bit differently.
"Looking back, I'm pleased how I have reacted. From the bad tackles and sending offs, to all the talk of a Chelsea move, which I regret getting involved in, and the own goal in the cup final.
"Without the setbacks, I don't think I'd have achieved as much as I have."
Now, he'll want to come full circle by pipping the Blues to the Premier League title.
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