Steven Gerard Makes Stunning Return to Liverpool to Captain Team in Legends Match

Steven Gerard Makes Stunning Return to Liverpool to Captain Team in Legends Match

Rene Otinga
updated at April 12, 2023 at 7:59 PM
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  • Steven Gerrard was back in a Liverpool jersey for the first time since retiring from football in 2015
  • The 41-year old took to the field in a legends match alongside several of his former teammates
  • Liverpool took on Barcelona legends and was managed by Sir Kenny Dalglish
  • Barcelona legends won the game 2-1 thanks to a penalty from Rivaldo

Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard recently rolled back the years as he captained Liverpool in a charity match on Saturday, March 26.

Gerrard was the standout figure in the legends game against Barcelona in an encounter aimed at raising money for the LFC Foundation.

Steven Gerard, Liverpool
Gerrard proved that he still had it aged 41 as he lit up Anfield with the opener in the 14th minute from the penalty spot after he was brought down by Edmilson. Photo by LFC Foundation.
Source: Getty Images

A number of former Liverpool stars joined Gerrard for the game including pundit Jamie Carragher, Steve McManaman and Sami Hyypia.

Barcelona was also represented in terms of club legends as the likes of Edgar Davids and Gaizka Mendieta featured in the game.

How the game went

Gerrard proved that he still had it aged 41 as he lit up Anfield with the opener in the 14th minute from the penalty spot after he was brought down by Edmilson.

Sami Hypia also had a chance to get on the score sheet but his header from Gerrard’s corner was somehow cleared off the line.

Gerrard came close to doubling his side’s lead from a tight angle, but his effort went narrowly wide.

Barcelona eventually got back into the game through Brazilian forward Giovanni, who kept his cool after being played through on goal by Sander Westerveld.

Interestingly, Liverpool made 10 changes at halftime, with the only man from the first half remaining on the pitch being Gerrard.

Barcelona got a chance to take the lead early in the second half, when Giovanni invited a challenge from Phil Babb in the box.

One time Ballon d’Or winner Rivaldo scored the resulting penalty, which proved to be the winning goal.

Stevie G, the legend

It was certainly an emotional game for Gerrard, who has well established himself as a legend at Anfield.

The former England midfielder spent 17 lucrative years at the heart of Liverpool’s midfield and went on to make 710 appearances for the Merseyside club.

During that time, Gerrard managed an impressive 186 goals for Liverpool and a further 150 assists.

Perhaps his biggest achievement in a Liverpool jersey was guiding the team to Champions League triumph in 2005, where they beat a might AC Milan in the final.

Since his retirement, Gerrard has since moved into football management, where he is proving to be a success so far.

After a successful stint with Scottish side Rangers, Gerrard has since moved to the Premier League with Aston Villa.

If the latest photos of the former Liverpool man are anything to go by, he looked to be in high spirits ahead of the legends game.

Roberto Carlos makes England debut in Sunday League match

Earlier in March, Brazil legend Roberto Carlos made his debut in England aged 48 when he featured in a Sunday League match.

As Sports Brief reported, Barne United, could not believe their luck as they won a raffle that was set up on eBay with the lucky winner getting either Eni Aluko or Carlos to play one match for their side.

The match took place at the Hanwood Village Hall and Recreation Centre on the outskirts of Shrewsbury early to see Carlos.

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Rene Otinga
Rene Otinga is a sports journalist with over eight years of working experience in digital media. Rene's experience includes working as a Copywriter at X News Kenya and TUKO.co.ke.