Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry has admitted that Steven Gerrard could walk away from the club.
The England midfielder has been linked with a move to Chelsea and Parry has revealed that the player is considering his future.
“I spoke to him three weeks ago and it was clear he was not happy. He was down and wants success,” Parry said.
“Hopefully the appointment of Rafa Benetiz as our new manager will swing things our way with Stevie,” Parry said.
“Realistically, players have to be happy and we can’t force anybody to stay at the club against their wishes, but there is no way that we want to sell him and we sincerely hope that he stays.”
There have been reports in the press that Gerrard has agreed a £125,000 a week deal with Chelsea.
But Parry insisted: “It isn’t about money with Stevie.
“Medals are more important to him and he told me that he doesn’t want to be here at 35 having not won anything.
“Finishing fourth in the Premiership is not an achievement in his eyes but we are with him on that.”
“The next priority is for me and Rafa to meet and try to persuade Stevie that his future is at this club,” Parry added.
“We will do everything we can to persuade him that his future lies here, but we are not complacent.”
Benetiz too is aware of the need to keep the midfielder – one of only a few Liverpool players to emerge from last season with any credit.
“Steven is from Liverpool and the club is in his heart,” the Spaniard said.
“His spirit is here, but I want to tell him how important he is to us.”
