Steven Gerrard has disclosed that former Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers enlisted him in a bold attempt to secure German World Cup winner Toni Kroos in 2014. Gerrard, then the club's captain, was tasked with contacting Kroos, who had won the World Cup with Germany that same year.
Gerrard's unofficial recruitment role
In his 2015 autobiography, My Story, Gerrard recalled how he tried to entice the playmaker to Liverpool. He wrote: "I had an unofficial role at the club, trying to persuade some great players to join Liverpool. It was the same ritual every summer. The club would let me know which long-shot target they had in mind and ask me to contact him."
"Our target in 2014 was ridiculously optimistic. Brendan asked me to take a crack at trying to talk Toni Kroos into signing for Liverpool. I knew Real Madrid were gearing up to make Bayern Munich an offer and so I felt a bit awkward when I texted Kroos. But God loves a trier and so I gave it a whirl."
Kroos' respectful response
Gerrard added: "Some of the best footballers in the world can also be the most respectful. Kroos did not make me feel like I was a total idiot. But, of course, he would soon sign for Real."
Providing his perspective, Kroos told The Athletic in 2020: "It wasn't a straight chat-up line, but they offered to tell me more about the club and so on. The funny thing was, [Luis] Suarez was about to leave to Barcelona anyway."
Kroos' legendary career at Real Madrid
Kroos would go on to become one of the greatest midfielders in Real Madrid's modern history, winning four La Liga titles and five Champions League titles. He appeared in the 2018 and 2022 Champions League finals against Liverpool, with the German emerging victorious on both occasions. He retired from football following Euro 2024.
Failed attempt to sign Willian
Gerrard also revealed a similar attempt to recruit Brazilian attacker Willian in 2013. "In 2013, the latest player in our sights was Willian, the Brazilian midfielder. Instead of calling him directly, I always sent a text," Gerrard said. "It seemed more respectful and allowed the player to read my message at a time when it suited him best."
"I slipped into the groove with William. I said hello and hoped he didn't mind me contacting him directly. I stressed how much I admired him as a player. And then, having mentioned that I knew Liverpool were speaking to his agent, I used the standard line: 'If you need to chat or ask any questions, I'm available at any time.' However, he replied with: 'I'm not sure Liverpool can win me the Champions League.'"
Willian ultimately joined Chelsea for £30 million under Jose Mourinho, spending seven years at Stamford Bridge and winning two Premier League titles, but no Champions League trophies.
