Steven Gerrard says he'll 'work for England again'

Tuesday 22 Jul 2014
Steven Gerrard will become an FA ambassador

Steven Gerrard wants to work with England again in the future and will do what he can to help Roy Hodgson's current squad.

The England captain announced his retirement from international football on Monday, but revealed exclusively to TheFA.com that he will be taking up an ambassadorial role with The FA.

Meanwhile, the 34-year-old says he will continue his “strong relationship” with Three Lions manager and provide any help and support needed.

“Over the next 20, 30, 40 years, I will work for England again.”

Steven Gerrard 

“I'm always here for Roy and I know he's always there for me. He's the man who fulfilled my childhood dream, made me England captain, and I'll always thank him for that," Gerrard told TheFA.com.

“I've got a fantastic, strong relationship with Roy and that won't change. I've spoken to him a couple of times this week and he was very understanding, very respectful and we both agreed that the relationship will stay the same.

“He's a fantastic manager and I'm glad The FA have stuck with him. I'm also proud to say I'll continue in an FA ambassadorial role in the future. My relationship with England and The FA hasn't ended here.”

The Liverpool captain's links to the England senior team will continue with a number of his Reds team-mates regulars in Hodgson’s squad.

Having represented his country 114 times over a 14-year period, Gerrard’s experience could be beneficial to Anfield men like Raheem Sterling, Jordan Henderson and Daniel Sturridge as they look to carry the mantle with England.

And Gerrard says he will always be there to give advice when needed.

“I'm still an England fan and still have huge respect for everyone in the set-up and the supporters,” he said.

“I suppose I still have a role with the England players here [at Liverpool], to try and help them, to give them advice when they are going away playing for England.

“My dialogue with the coaches and the people at The FA will continue. I'll still be there to watch the games and maybe be around from time to time.

“I still have a role like every other person who loves England - and that's to continue trying to help the national team improve.”

Steven Gerrard exclusive - the full interview

 

The midfielder still has a year remaining on his contract at Liverpool. While he is focused on their bid for silverware on four fronts, including the return of Champions League football, he admits he is beginning to contemplate life after football.

Gerrard has started taking his coaching qualifications but is not yet sure if management is the route he wants to take.

However, he believes that one day he will return to the England set-up.

“I’ve started on the coaching road, but I think it's important for me to focus on the pitch for Liverpool and trying to continue the standards I've set since I made my debut for Liverpool,” he said.

“I don't know if I want to be a coach, I don't know if I won't to be a manager 100 per cent, it is something I'm thinking about a lot, what I'm going to do when I hang my boots up completely.

“But there is plenty of time to be thinking about that stuff. My relationship with The FA will continue moving forward and I'm sure over the next 20, 30, 40 years, I will work for England again.”

By Jamie Bradbury FA Editor