Rafael Benitez has responded to Steven Gerrard’s claims that the pair never enjoyed the warmest of relationships at Liverpool.
In his upcoming autobiography, My Story, Gerrard claimed that Benitez never liked him as a person despite the fact that they enjoyed plenty of success together for the Reds.
“I can pick up the phone and speak to all of my previous Liverpool managers. Except for Rafa,” Gerrard wrote.
“It’s a shame because we probably shared the biggest night of both our careers — the 2005 Champions League victory in Istanbul — and yet there is no bond between us.”
He added: “I don’t think Rafa Benitez liked me as a person. I’m not sure why, but that’s the feeling I got from him.”
Now the Real Madrid manager has had his say, implying that Gerrard is only making these revelations to sell more books.
“I have read the quotes and I believe he is wrong,” Benitez said on Spanish television.
“Out of the respect that I have for Stevie and for the value and appreciation I have for him, and for Liverpool and the supporters, I think it’s best to just let it pass.”
He couldn’t resist the dig, though.
“He has brought out a book and now I’m the Real Madrid manager, that sells.”
