Steven Gerrard: What they said about the departing Liverpool captain

Mourinho, Torres, Ferguson and Zidane had their say

Steven Gerrard during his final appearance at Anfield (Getty Images)

Jose Mourinho

It’s because of opponents like him I am the manager I am. I learn from the best opponents, with problems they give. It’s the way they make me think, the way they make me analyse them. Gerrard is for sure one of my favourite enemies. We did everything to try [to sign him] and it was almost there. I was dreaming of [Claude] Makélélé, Gerrard and [Frank] Lampard in midfield.

Fernando Torres

He is without doubt the greatest player I have ever played with. He has everything.

Luis Suarez

Steven Gerrard is the best player I’ve ever played with.

Sir Alex Ferguson

He has become the most influential player in England, bar none. Not that [Patrick] Vieira lacks anything, but Gerrard does more.

Patrick Vieira

I heard what Alex Ferguson said about him being better than me. He’s probably right.

Kaka

He has the heart of a lion.

Francesco Totti

Would be the captain of my World XI Dream Team.

Zinedine Zidane

Best in the world? He might not get the attention of [Lionel] Messi and [Cristiano] Ronaldo but yes, I think he just might be.