THIS TITLE’S FOR YOU STEVIE
Proud Henderson dedicates crown to Liverpool legend
JORDAN HENDERSON has told Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard: “This title is for you.”
And the Reds skipper, who has written his own name into Anfield folklore by lifting four trophies in a year, revealed it became an emotional and personal quest in trying to win the Premier League for the man he succeeded.
Gerrard is one of the most famous and successful captains in Liverpool history.
But he cruelly missed out on leading them to the title in 2014 when his slip turned a pivotal game against Chelsea, handing a crucial initiative to Manchester City.
After being confirmed as champions last week, Henderson revealed one of his first phone calls was to his former team-mate and close friend.
“This one is quite personal for me and definitely to do it for Stevie is quite big – I know how much it would mean to him to win the Premier League,” said Henderson.
“He is so happy for us to be able to do that. I have spoken to Stevie and I will speak to him over the next few days but of course
everything that he has done for me and this football club [is so important].
“I was devastated in 2014 that we couldn’t get over the line for him but I know that he will be so happy and so proud of this team to be able to bring the Premier League trophy to Liverpool and, yes, to do it for him is big.”
Gerrard was this week voted Liverpool’s greatest ever player in a poll conducted by a national radio station and both Henderson and manager Jurgen Klopp have spoken of his role in laying the foundations for success.
The former Anfield leader took to social media to express his admiration for Henderson after lifting the title, acclaiming the “incredible achievement” and he reserved special praise for him, writing: “Proud of you mate.”
And Henderson believes it will end some of the pain for his close friend.
He said: “This is not only for us as players and the fans but it is also for players like Stevie, Kenny [Dalglish] who mean so much to this football club.”