Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard has explained his reasons for joining the Premier League side after being branded a "thief" by presenter Richard Keys.
The Liverpool icon was appointed Villa's new boss last week, ending his three-and-a-half-year spell at Rangers.
During his time Ibrox, Gerrard won the club's first Scottish Premiership title in a decade and reached the last 16 of the Europa League.
His impressive record persuaded Villa to make him Dean Smith's successor, but not everyone was pleased to see him leave Glasgow.
"Welcome back Steven. Although I wish you’d taken a bit more care about the manner in which you accepted the Villa job," claimed Keys.
Did Steven Gerrard make the correct decision by joining Aston Villa? Let us know in the comments below!
"I said this on Twitter last week - and I stand by it. Leaving Rangers like a thief in the night was poor.
"Everybody at Ibrox deserved better - not least the players - who knew little or nothing about your intentions until they saw pictures of you holding up a Villa shirt - and yes - you looked happy!
"The 'daft questions' came later this time Why leave like that? Why skulk off after being given your big break by Rangers?
"You later issued a statement saying 'in time - I hope people understand'. Well they won't. If you'd done things the right way I'm sure they might have done."
Gerrard left Rangers in a great position - four points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership - and faces a battle to revive Villa's stuttering season.
The former European champions have lost five consecutive Premier League games to sit 16th in the table, just two points above the relegation zone.
When asked about his decision to join Villa at a press conference on Thursday, Gerrard replied: "It was a difficult decision and I certainly left with a heavy heart.
"I built up some fantastic relationships up at Rangers. It's a club that I've got immense respect for. I was given a remit three-and-a-half years ago up at Rangers and went on a journey and we completed that remit.
"Approximately 10 days ago, the opportunity came to join another iconic club... it was an opportunity I couldn't let pass me by."
Gerrard was also keen to quash suggestions he's using Villa as a steppingstone for the Liverpool job, with many tipping him to replace Jurgen Klopp later this decade.
Who will make Gareth Southgate's England squad for next year's World Cup in Qatar? Have your say!
"This press conference shouldn't be anything other than Aston Villa," insisted Gerrard. "Everyone knows what Liverpool means to me, and I said last week in a one-to-one that I’m all in...
“I bump into Jurgen regularly when he walks his dogs, we live in a similar area. He’s a great man and coach. Liverpool are very lucky to have him at the helm, so long may that continue.
"He sent me a message and he said he’s looking forward to a big hug on the side [when Villa and Liverpool meet] on December 11th, so that’s something to look forward to."
