0907: Gerrard reassured by fans' reception
0907: Reds warm up with Wrexham vicory
 

Carragher and Gerrard paraded with The Cup
before the match at Wrexham. (Photo: getty Images)

JULY 9
Gerrard reassured by fans' reception

Sporting Life

The reaction Steven Gerrard received from Liverpool supporters at Wrexham convinced him he had made the right decision to stay at Anfield.

Having stated his desire to leave the European champions on Tuesday, Gerrard performed an astonishing U-turn less than 24 hours later before signing a new four-year, £100,000-a-week deal on Friday.

The England midfielder celebrated by parading the European Cup around the Racecourse Ground and playing the first 45 minutes of Liverpool's 4-3 friendly victory at Wrexham.

Significantly, the chanting of his name by fans and rapturous applause throughout his time on the pitch suggested that he will suffer no backlash from the Kop.

"I didn't doubt that," said Gerrard.

"I've got a fantastic relationship with the fans. I know they have been through a lot as well, which I'm not proud of.

"I feel as if I've made the right decision and as I said, I'm not proud of the week I've been through. It's been difficult and very confusing.

"And I wouldn't wish being in my shoes on any other person. But it's all behind me and I'd like to forget about it."

Gerrard admitted he could understand the original anger and resentment felt by Liverpool supporters in the wake of his decision to end his 17-year association with the club.

"They were close to losing their best player, so I can understand people getting frustrated," he said.

"The majority of the fans also realised what I was going through and put themselves in my shoes. And you can take it from me, it wasn't good."

JULY 9
Reds warm up with Wrexham victory

BBC Sport Online

Liverpool warmed up for the start of their Champions League defence with a 4-3 friendly win at Wrexham.

Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard paraded the European Cup before the game, preparation for Wednesday's first-round qualifier against TNS.

The Reds fell behind to Jon Walters' strike, but soon found their stride with two goals by Fernando Morientes.

Substitute Milan Baros hit a brace to make it 4-1 before Lee McEvilly and Rodney Jack replied for Wrexham.

Gerrard was given a barnstorming reaction by a large contingent of Reds fans at The Racecourse as he and Jamie Carragher showed off the trophy before kick-off.

Gerrard & Carragher extend deals

Both players signed new contracts in the last few days to commit themselves to Anfield until 2009 and were part of a strong Liverpool starting line-up.

New signings Jose Reina and Boudewijn Zenden also played the opening half.

Reds boss Rafael Benitez took no chances on a hot day in Wales, making nine changes at the break and bringing on more substitutes in the second-half.

His side will face another Welsh outfit, TNS, when their competitive season begins next week.