Steven Gerrard admits he wanted to join Aston Villa "very quickly" as he broke his silence on a whirlwind exit from Rangers.
The new Villa Park boss revealed he learned of the Premier League club's interest just a day before he officially signed a two-and-half-year deal to depart Ibrox.
Rangers' Premiership title-winning manager says the opportunity to head for England's top-flight was "too big" to turn down and was thrilled that a deal was agreed so quickly.
He also praised a "very professional" Rangers for their handling of the transition.
"It was crazy and it was very quick," Gerrard told Villa TV.
"I was first aware of Aston Villa's interest on the Wednesday, I had a call from my representation.
"And when the phone call sunk in, I wanted this to happen very quickly because, first and foremost, the opportunity was too big.
"From there, it happened really, really quickly. Credit to Aston Villa, the speed they got things done and not just with me, but with my staff that I'm bringing with me as well.
"But I must also pay respect to Rangers, they were very professional in the deals as well.
"It was very crazy, very quick but when you're in that situation that's what you want to happen.
"The last thing you want is for it to drag out because you want to get in as quick as you can and start working as fast as you can."
Rangers are on the hunt for Gerrard 's successor, with former Ibrox star Gio van Bronckhorst the favourite among a number of candidates.
He held talks with the club over the weekend and Record Sport revealed on Sunday night that he's already began piecing together a potential backroom team as he waits on a call from Ibrox.
