Mellor names Gerrard greatest of his era
Neil Mellor has described Steven Gerrard as quite simply the best Liverpool player of his generation, after the captain announced his decision to leave the club at the end of the season.
The former Red shared a dressing room with Gerrard during his three years as a first-teamer, and today explained the huge influence the skipper has had not only at Anfield, but also on football in general.
"In my era, certainly Steven Gerrard has been the greatest Liverpool player," said Mellor. "He has contributed to Liverpool on a global scale.
"Players from around the world wanted to come and play for Liverpool with Steven Gerrard, and the young players at the club's Academy aspire to be the next Gerrard.
"Even players who have no affiliation with the club want to be the next Gerrard because of the quality he has on the pitch."
Asked to select his favourite from Gerrard's long list of memorable moments produced in a red shirt, Mellor looked back to 10 years ago and the contributions of a then 24-year-old en route to European glory.
He said: "Against Olympiacos he scored one of his greatest goals and then against AC Milan in the final, at 3-0 down, he got the goal to inspire the team to victory.
"Seeing him lift that trophy in Istanbul is unforgettable for me, as was being on the dancefloor with him and the trophy later on!"
Mellor also hopes that with half a season still remaining, the talismanic leader can still write another chapter in his incredible Reds career.
"There's still plenty of football left to play this season so we can still enjoy the remaining months of him as a Liverpool player," he added.
"He's still the captain, of course, and with Liverpool still in a number of cup competitions it would be incredible for him to finish on a high by lifting one last trophy."