Steven Gerrard stands like a Liverpool legend; even an attempt at a quiet midweek coffee in a local town cafe ends in admiring chaos.
Last week, Gerrard was recognized in a Merseyside coffee shop in Maghull and bombarded with fans after sharing his presence on Facebook. They banged on the cafe windows and demanded selfies and autographs from the obliging football great.
And next month, the man who inspired one of Liverpool’s greatest field eras will take his traveling roadshow to Perth as Aston Villa manager ahead of their ‘Icon’ blockbuster against Manchester United at Optus Stadium on July 23.
But rather than a chance encounter on the street, fans can guarantee a close-up experience with Gerrard, who will join Aston Villa chief executive Christian Purslow as guest speaker at “An Evening with Aston Villa Football Club” at the stadium’s Riverview. Room on July 21.
Camera icon Aston Villa Chief Executive Christian Purslow. Credit: Victoria Jones – PA Images/PA Images via Getty Images
It will be the only public chance to hear the pair speak at what is being called Perth’s Festival of International Football, which will also see a clash between EPL clubs Crystal Palace and Leeds on July 22.
When Liverpool’s scouts entrusted his talents, the Gerrard star was already on the rise as a nine-year-old playing for his hometown Whiston Juniors. Some 27 years later, he played his last game for the Los Angeles Galaxy, leaving behind a player legacy that few could match.
He was one of the most complete footballers to play the game. He signed his first professional contract with Liverpool when he was 17 and played a pivotal role in the 2000/2001 season, with the club claiming the EPL title, FA Cup and UEFA Cup. He was also rightfully named England’s Young Player of the Year.
It’s a real privilege to be here, and I want to make the most of it and make it a successful time.
Gerrard was only 23 when he took on the Liverpool captain’s armband. His crowning glory came when he scored a crucial goal in a dramatic comeback win over Italian powerhouse AC Milan in the 2004-05 season to aid his club in claiming the first Champions League title in 21 years.
Now 42, his appointment as Aston Villa manager in November last year had an unusual prelude with Purslow, some seven years earlier at a training camp in England in the US ahead of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Purslow, who had been Liverpool’s former manager, told floating reporters after a chance meeting with Gerrard that the star player would one day become a “top manager”.
Three years into his tenure at Aston Villa, he trusted what he was thinking about that day and hired Gerrard. It was an offer he couldn’t resist.
Camera IconGerrard was only 23 when he took on the Liverpool captain’s armband. Credit: Joe Giddens/AP
“When the opportunity came to rejoin the Premier League because I knew the league exceptionally well as a player, it was an opportunity I didn’t want to turn down,” said Gerrard, who left Scottish giant Rangers to take up the position. , said earlier this year.
“It is a very important club and a very important journey that we are embarking on. It’s a real privilege to be here, and I want to make the most of it and make it a successful time.”
*Tickets for An Evening with Aston Villa Football Club are now on sale for $150 each. Go online to events.thewest.com.au to make reservations for the cocktail feature.