Steven Gerrard left the pitch with around ten minutes remaining at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. Brendan Rodgers gave a quite bizarre reason for the substitution. He claimed it was so the Liverpool captain could receive the acclaim of the Chelsea supporters in his last Premier League game at their ground. The same supporters who brought laminated 'Caution' signs to wave at him throughout the game.
On Sky Sports afterwards, Gerrard was asked about the ovation he received. He appeared indifferent towards the gesture and likely would have preferred to stay on the pitch. The 34-year-old also had a little go at the Chelsea fans.
I was more happy with the ovation from the Liverpool fans. I think the Chelsea fans have shown respect for a couple of seconds for me but slaughtered me all game. I'm not going to get drawn into wishing the Chelsea fans very well, it was nice of them to turn up for once today. You know, if you get a standing ovation at a stadium it's nice but what's important to me is the support of the Liverpool fans.
Gerrard was also asked about Jose Mourinho. He called the Chelsea boss "the best manager in the world for me".
I've got huge respect for him. He's the best manager in the world for me. I'd have signed for them three times if I weren't a Liverpool fan and Liverpool weren't in me heart. He's the reason why me head was turned on a couple of occasions. He understood why I couldn't do it and it's because I love Liverpool football club.
