STEVEN GERRARD has lifted the lid on why he snubbed a Rangers return despite his heart being “100 per cent there”.
The Liverpool legend, 45, managed the Ibrox side between 2018 and 2021 – delivering their only league title of the last 14 seasons during his tenure.
Gerrard left for Aston Villa in November 2021 and later went on to boss Saudi side Al-Ettifaq.
Having departed the Middle East outfit by mutual consent in January, the ex-England star was offered the chance to return to Rangers last month following the departure of Russell Martin.
After talks with the club’s hierarchy, however, Gerrard turned down the gig, with Rangers then turning to Danny Rohl.
Out of a managerial job, Gerrard appeared as a pundit on TNT Sports for last night’s clash between Liverpool and Aston Villa.
Speaking about his Ibrox talks ahead of the match, he said: “In terms of Rangers, very close, had some really positive and interesting talks with the owners.
“It felt a bit rushed to me because I had my family in Bahrain at the time, had a lot to think about in a short space of time, to give a decision.
“There were a few things I was uncertain about. If I was to take a challenge that big and that important it had to be perfect, and I had to be 100 per cent ready.
“Unfortunately I wasn’t due to the timing, so I stepped aside. They’ve got a fantastic manager now and I wish them all the best.
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“My heart was 100 per cent there because I have the connection with the club.”
Gerrard is said to have not been satisfied with the structure at Rangers.
It’s claimed that he would have had to work as a head coach under sporting director Kevin Thelwell, rather than a manager.
Quizzed about the structure, coy Gerrard admitted that he may yet return to Ibrox one day, adding: “I have to analyse, is it right for me?
“Is the timing right and are things perfect for me to be the best version of myself in that job? Unfortunately the timing, it didn’t feel right to me.
“I’ve got that much respect for Rangers that I wouldn’t go in there if I was 80-90 per cent ready, but hopefully one day I’ll be more ready and more prepared for it and that chance might come again.”
Gerrard has been married to wife Alex since 2007, with the couple having four children together; Lilly-Ella, 21, Lexie, 19, Lourdes, 13, and Lio, eight.
Lilly-Ella gave birth to Gerrard’s first grandchild back in July.
Rangers have endured a disastrous start to the Scottish Premiership season.
The Glasgow giants are fourth in the table having won just three of their opening 10 matches and are already 14 points behind leaders Hearts.
Rangers were dumped out of the Champions League by Club Brugge in August’s playoff round, and now sit bottom of the 36-team Europa League league phase table.
Rohl’s side take on Celtic in the Scottish League Cup semi-finals this afternoon.
