Gerrard: " I've never been happier "
Steven Gerrard claims he is currently enjoying his football more than ever before - and would love to prolong his Liverpool career.
Gerrard has scored 21 goals so far this season as Liverpool have mounted their first serious title challenge since 2002.
He said: "I've never been happier than I am at the moment
throughout my career. I'm playing in a top team, I'm playing with
world-class players and I believe in the manager. Going forward, we can
be successful. I've got two years left on my contract and if there was a chance to extend that, I'm sure I'd do it."
Boss Rafa Benitez signed a new contract of his own last week - and Gerrard admits their relationship is better than ever.
"My relationship with Rafa has got stronger and stronger as time's
gone by," added the 28-year-old. "Maybe when I was a bit younger I was
a bit selfish, thinking of myself a bit too much when he was playing me
out of position. I should have maybe taken a deep breath and realised it was for
the team. But, at the moment, he's playing me in my favourite position,
I'm captain, we're winning. Things at the club are really good. For years and years, I've
moaned about not being involved in a title race and being far away from
the other teams. But, at the moment, I'm playing in a team that's capable of beating anyone in the league."
Gerrard has been instrumental in Liverpool clawing themselves back
into the title race with emphatic victories over Manchester United and
Aston Villa. However, the skipper is keen not to lose perspective.
"There's a good feeling around at the moment but it's important not to get carried away," Gerrard said.
United are still favourites. If they win their game in hand
they're four points ahead, which is a decent lead at this stage of the
season with nine games to go. But confidence is high, the momentum is with us. We have to focus
on what we're doing and, if they have another slip-up, we have to
capitalise on it."
Gerrard's exceptional form playing just off Fernando Torres has brought more discussion with England about his best position.
And he said:
"I would love nothing better than to be given the chance to play there for England to try to find that form. I feel that's when you get the best out of me. When I'm free to run at defenders and cause danger. That's down to Rafa Benitez. He's helped me a lot. He's certainly helping me to improve in this position."
