Steven Gerrard has made his first public statement since being fired by Premier League strugglers Aston Villa on Thursday night.
Gerrard was fired with Villa 17th in the table and just one point above the relegation zone on goal difference. The West Midlands club won just two of their first 11 Premier League games this season, with a 3-0 loss at Fulham serving as the final straw for Gerrard.
After leading Rangers to the Scottish Premiership title, the Liverpool legend was only appointed by Villa 11 months ago. Gerrard was tasked with leading Villa into Europe, but results began to deteriorate at the end of last season, and he was unable to turn things around.
Gerrard wrote on Instagram on Friday evening: “I’d like to thank everyone at Aston Villa Football Club for their help and encouragement during my time there. I’d like to thank the board of directors, the players, and everyone on the staff. for their efforts.
“It’s unfortunate that it didn’t work out in the end, but I owe you a debt of gratitude for the way you welcomed me into your club and kept pushing the team through difficult times. Aston Villa has a special history, and I really wanted to bring back those memorable achievements, but it wasn’t to be. I wish everyone at the club the best of luck in the future. SG.”
Villa fired Gerrard within hours of the Fulham defeat, confirming the news with a scathing 41-word statement on their website. “We’d like to thank Steven for his hard work and commitment and wish him the best in the future,” a spokesperson said.
Gerrard was aware that he was in danger of being sacked following Thursday’s game. “It’s difficult, but I’m a man, so I accept it,” he said to Amazon Prime Video. “I understand, I feel their frustration, and I am frustrated with them [as well]. Personally, I had a difficult night.”
When asked about his dismissal, Gerrard added: “I am aware of the situation we are in. I am a fighter who will never give up. We’ll have to wait and see what happens.”
Fans are now wondering what Gerrard will do next. The 42-year-old was regarded as one of the best midfielders of his generation. He was named UEFA’s Club Footballer of the Year in 2005 after winning nine trophies, including the Champions League.