The agent of Axel Tuanzebe has taken a bizarre swipe at Steven Gerrard with a Liverpool claim.
The Reds legend is currently manager of Aston Villa, having left Glasgow Rangers to replace Dean Smith in November.
Tuanzebe, who was on loan from Manchester United, was a mainstay in the Villa team for the majority of this season, making seven appearances in the Premier League before Gerrard’s arrival.
However, after Gerrard arrived Tuanzebe featured for just eight minutes in the top flight.
VAN DJIK: What Liverpool defender did in dressing room after victory over Shrewsbury
READ MORE: Andy Robertson makes 'strange' Liverpool admission after Shrewsbury win
This led to his loan at Villa Park getting cut short, and a subsequent loan to Serie A side Napoli.
Tuanzebe’s brother, Dimitri, is also his agent and runs Millennial Sports Management - and has made a Liverpool claim about Gerrard.
Dimitri has claimed that Gerrard’s history with Liverpool and rivalry with Manchester United ‘came to life’, hinting that is why the Reds legend did not select Axel.
"Axel is very excited to begin a new chapter in his football career, playing abroad and for a club with so much history behind it and fans who worship football," Dimitri told ESPN .
"Axel didn't decide to move until it became very clear that he isn't the manager's first-choice centre-back and the Napoli offer was very tempting.
"I have a lot of mixed emotions when it comes to Axel's time at Villa. He is loved by the fans as he contributed highly to the club's success in the Championship where he was one of the key players that helped Villa return to the Premier League.
"However, following the arrival of Steven Gerrard at Villa Park, it felt as if the rivalry between Man United and Liverpool came to life.
"For the avoidance of doubts, Axel was very open to staying at Villa, he loves the fans, being in Birmingham but he also has a career that he can only build and reach his full potential in an environment where opportunities to play are fair."
