Former Liverpool midfielder Adam Lallana has admitted he was 'surprised' Steven Gerrard chose to retire from football at the age of 36.
The pair spent the 2014/15 campaign playing together at Anfield, in what was Lallana's first season at the club and Gerrard's last.
Gerrard saw out his playing career at MLS side LA Galaxy before moving into a coaching role at Liverpool's Academy as his next step.
Lallana has now revealed that the Reds' legend made clear of his desire to move into management, though this news still came as somewhat of a shock to the now Brighton midfielder.
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"Before Stevie moved to LA Galaxy he mentioned he wanted to go into management,” said the 33-year-old.
“But I was pretty surprised he retired from playing when he did because he was easily good enough to carry on.
“He obviously wanted to get into management though and took the Liverpool under-18s job which was a great first job. He could make mistakes there, he probably learnt a lot and he hasn’t looked back since then."
Gerrard proved his coaching ability during his three-and-a-half-years at Rangers, helping restore the club's status as the side to beat in Scotland.
But his success in the dugout has not shocked Lallana, who has recognised the 'aura' of the Liverpool great has had a significant impact on his ability to command the respect of players.
“Stevie’s just got this aura around him," he told Brighton's official website.
"He just needs to walk through the door and into the room and the atmosphere changes in a positive way. That’s what he brings, that’s years and years of performing at the top level
"When you get speaking to him, you almost forget he’s Steven Gerrard. He’s a wonderful man and he will do anything to help you. He possesses great qualities to be a manager and he’s got a combination of everything."
As Aston Villa host Brighton in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon, the former Liverpool duo will be reunited.
Despite their undoubted respect for each other, Lallana's focus is very much on achieving three points at Villa Park.
"I’ve not spoken to him since he was appointed, he’s probably been inundated with messages and he will just want to get cracking with work straight away. It’s been the international break so he’s probably had just over a week to work with the team," stated the Seagulls' star.
“I’m sure I’ll speak to him after the game. Hopefully we’ll be leaving with maximum points so I’m not sure he’ll be around to speak to me then! He’s a great man and I obviously wish him all the best in his job at Villa.”
