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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Sean Bradbury

Steven Gerrard explains why he turned down invitation to Liverpool title party

Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has explained why he turned down an invitation to the team's title celebrations in Formby.

The Reds are back on their perch after storming to glory this season.

And Jurgen Klopp and his players finally got their hands on the trophy last month in a special ceremony on the Kop.

Back in June, the squad gathered at Formby Hall Golf Resort on the outskirts of Liverpool to watch Chelsea vs Manchester City.

As all fans know, it turned out to be the moment the league was sealed.

The party went on long into the night as Liverpool's 30-year wait was ended.

Gerrard was invited to join in - but opted to soak it all in with his family instead.

He said: "I was at home watching it on TV...I was invited to go and be around the players, be with them, but I thought the right thing to do was be at home with my family, and let the players celebrate and enjoy themselves.

"The scenes were absolutely fantastic. There was no happier house in Formby than my house let me tell you.

"I was on board and all in with Jurgen from day one - from the start he made everyone believe they were about to go on a special journey.

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"So I was immensely proud when I saw him deliver the title - and there was relief, from waiting so long as a fan and as a player. To watch what it meant for all those players and all the people around them was special."

Gerrard was speaking on a new documentary about Klopp and the Reds, which will be broadcast tomorrow evening.

In the programme, commissioned between Channel 4 and German brewing company Erdinger Weissbråu, he also states his belief that Klopp is now up there with the very best in Anfield history.

Gerrard said: "The institution of Liverpool is almost like a religion - people who take the baton off each other to continue the Liverpool way, going back to Shankly, Paisley, Fagan.

"And Jurgen has come and taken all that pressure on his shoulders of one of the biggest clubs in the world, played phenomenal, ferocious football, and won trophies. He came with his shoulders back, believing he would deliver success.

"So he’s right up there with the best Liverpool managers, and the best managers in the world. Fact."

*Jurgen Klopp: Germany’s Greatest Export is on Channel 4, Monday 3 August at 10pm.

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