Liverpool legend reveals why he snubbed return to English football

Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has revealed why he decided against pursuing interest in the vacant managerial role at Sky Bet League One side MK Dons.

The 36-year-old, who made 710 appearances in a 17-year stint at Anfield, left for the MLS last season to join LA Galaxy, but the midfielder left the club last week after his contract expired.

Consequently, the former England captain was being touted for his first role in management at the stadium:mk following Karl Robinson’s departure last month but, while stating that it was a great opportunity, Gerrard felt it was too early for him in his coaching career.

Photo: Roy Beardsworth/offside

He told BT Sport: ‘I’m just taking a bit of time to consider what’s next, exciting times moving forward.

‘I spoke to MK Dons. I had a chat with the chairman, it’s a very exciting job for somebody else but it’s a bit soon for me.

‘But it’s true, I did speak to them.’

This may suggest that Gerrard wants to pursue his playing career for a while longer, and there have been reports that he could team up with former Reds manager Brendan Rodgers at Celtic, with whom he worked at Anfield between 2012 and 2015.

Nonetheless, coaching is clearly an avenue Gerrard wants to pursue. He is currently working on his UEFA A coaching licence, which is required to manage second tier clubs, and is second only to the UEFA Pro Licence.

There has also been talk of the former Reds captain returning to Liverpool, where he won two FA Cups and a Champions League title, as part of Jurgen Klopp’s coaching team, which could suggest that a move into coaching could happen sooner rather than later.