Gerrard is gearing up for his second season in Saudi Arabia and ran into an old rival in Spain
Iconic Steven Gerrard has earned adulation for his work during his time at Rangers in Spain as he caught up with former English Premier League rival Santi Cazorla.
And the Arsenal legend told the man he battled against in his Liverpool days he could still be playing himself before his Al-Ettifaq side lost 3-2 to Real Oviedo in a pre-season clash at the Pinatar Arena. Gerrard's presence in Spain was big news in the local area with his Kop VIP status making way for heady praise due to his three-and-a-half years in Glasgow.
Gerrard is gearing up for his second season in Saudi Arabia and watched his side come up short in a thriller – with many local holidaymakers turning up after hearing Gerrard was in town. But it was Cazorla – who raved about Gerrard in his playing days – who appeared happiest to see him as the now 39-year-old continues his career with Oviedo.
And the niceties are a two-way street. Speaking ahead of Rangers' clash with Villarreal in 2018, he said: "Murder. He was a top player. Very low centre of gravity, could manipulate the ball with either foot. I know he's had his injuries problems of late but he was a tough, tough player to play against. Not tough in terms of pressing you, getting in your face and being aggressive with you but you go near him and he'll pass it round you and he can make fun of you with either foot.
“Any player who played in the best Spanish side of all time, the starting XI, deserves respect. When you’re talking about names like Iniesta, Xavi, David Silva and Fabregas, he’s right in the mix with all the big hitters there, so he’s been a top footballer. Sometimes I did alright, others it didn’t go well against him. That’s the way it is.”
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