Steven Gerrard insists he understands why Rangers fans were left frustrated by his move to Aston Villa.
But he's asked critics to see things from his perspective – even if he admits he put himself first.
The former Ibrox boss has got off to a strong start at Villa Park, winning his first two games before losing to Manchester City during the week.
Rangers quickly replaced him with Gio van Bronckhorst but the manner of his mid-season exit evoked memories of when Brendan Rodgers walked out on Celtic in 2019.
The two managers meet in the Premier League on Sunday and Gerrard spoke to Sky Sports pre-match about his decision to leave Rangers.
He admits it might have been a selfish decision - but insists it's one he felt he had to make given the size of the opportunity on offer.
And he's also reminded Rangers fans that he couldn't control the timing of the move.
He said: "I think the frustration always comes from the timing. I certainly respect and understand people if they've got a gripe about that.
"But from my point of view I can't control the timing of when it comes.
"When you're in my position you always wonder 'will the opportunity come again?'
"So when you get the chance to come to Villa, back in the Premier League, the size of the club and the ambition, for me the timing was something I couldn't think about - it was more about grasping the opportunity.
"That's what I did.
"I leave with a heavy heart but also with my head held high.
"When you sit down with the board, and they give you a remit, if you don't do that you get the sack.
"If you have a run of games where it's not accepted, you get the sack. Fans move on extremely quickly from that.
"For once in my life, I thought about me and what's best for my family. That's why I made the decision."
