Liverpool has confirmed Steven Gerrard is set to return for the club’s ‘Legends game’ against Chelsea next month at Anfield.
The former skipper has played in previous charity matches against Ajax and Celtic, with 60,000 in attendance at last year’s game at Anfield. A similar turnout is expected next month for the match against Chelsea, which comes 20 years on from the memorable double-legged semi-final in the Champions League.
Luis Garcia’s infamous goal was the only one scored over two legs in 2005, which was dubbed the 'ghost goal' by Jose Mourinho as Chelsea disputed it has crossed the line. The victory nearly two decades ago ensured Rafael Benitez’s side progressed to the final, where they went on to beat AC Milan on penalties in Istanbul.
Gerrard played a key role in the Reds’ success that season - including scoring the first goal in the comeback win over Milan. He also netted a famous late strike in the last group game to ensure Liverpool beat Olympiakos and qualified for the knockout stages.
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The former midfielder endured an acrimonious relationship with Chelsea fans during his playing days after opting against signing for the Blues in 2005.
“I'm not going to get drawn into wishing the Chelsea fans well, it was nice of them to turn up for once today,” was Gerrard’s parting shot at the club when he played Chelsea for the final time in 2015, on an afternoon when he was jeered by the home supporters at Stamford Bridge.
He’ll be looking forward to facing the Blues again - albeit in a much less competitive environment - when Liverpool and Chelsea legends meet on Saturday March 22 (3pm UK time, 10am ET).
Tickets are available on Liverpool’s website with the proceeds to be donated to the LFC Foundation’s health programmes, ‘which are helping tackle health inequalities across the Liverpool City Region by providing physical and mental wellbeing programmes for people of all ages’.
The likes of Sami Hyypia, Martin Skrtel, Peter Crouch and Dirk Kuyt will represent Liverpool, while Gary Cahill, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Frank Sinclair are among the well-known ex-players who will line up for Roberto Di Matteo’s Chelsea.
Gerrard is out of work since leaving Al-Ettifaq in January. The former Aston Villa boss has since been linked with vacancies at Carlisle United, Derby County and Rangers, but is yet to return to management.
