• Premier League

Reina pleads with Mourinho to leave Gerrard alone

ESPN Soccernet staff
June 2, 2010
Steven Gerrard is currently focusing on the World Cup © Getty Images
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Jose Reina is expecting Real Madrid to make an offer for Steven Gerrard but hopes his Liverpool team-mate will spurn the chance to join Jose Mourinho's side.

Gerrard is believed to be one of Mourinho's leading transfer targets following his arrival at the Bernabeu and he recently said of the midfielder and his England colleague Frank Lampard that "both are two great players and always give everything."

Reina anticipates that Real will firm up their interest in a player who has seen his future dragged into the spotlight following Liverpool's failure to secure Champions League football for next season, but is praying they do not prise him from Anfield.

"I hope Gerrard doesn't bring anything to Real Madrid and that he stays a long time at Liverpool, that he is with us for the rest of his career." Reina said.

"I understand that something will happen, that Real Madrid's interest in Gerrard will become manifest because Mourinho knows him very well and he is a footballer who can play in any team in the world.

"He is part of the elite, among the ten best in the world because he is a very complete footballer. Let's hope they don't take him away."

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