Thompson thinks his former side could have done more.
Liverpool legend Phil Thompson says the club should have done more to keep Steven Gerrard at the club after the captain announced he would be leaving at the end of this season.
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Gerrard is one of the rare examples of a one-club player, breaking into the Reds first team over 17 years ago and having won two FA Cups, three League Cups, the UEFA Cup and Champions League during his time at Anfield.
Yet Reds fans will have to see their iconic skipper in the shirt of another team as of next term and Thompson thinks the Merseysiders have made the wrong decision in not doing more to keep the midfielder at the club.
“I think they could have done more,” the 60-year-old was quoted by the Mirror.
“There is nothing in the statement that he was made a great offer or that there was anything in there when he finished playing.
“Me, being selfish, would love him still to be at Liverpool. I think he’s got a bit more to offer and then would it be right for him to start learning?
“Brendan is a very good coach and he could help him along the way, being on the backroom staff, and being filtered into maybe the managerial role in a few years’ time. To me, that would be ideal.
“Jamie Carragher retiring was a big loss because of his impact in the dressing room and him being a local lad and these have carried the banner of local lads coming through, so Steve announcing his retirement, he’s the last of a dying breed for my football club.
“That will be a massive hole to fill.”
Gerrard is thought of by many as the club’s greatest ever player having made 671 appearances in all competitions and scoring 173 goals. Only Frank Lampard has more Premier League strikes than the 34-year-old.