Steven Gerrard had just given one of his finest Liverpool performances when he was asked a  question that stopped him in his tracks. Having scored two goals to inspire a 4-0 demolition of Real Madrid in the Champions League, Steven was soaking up the atmosphere inside Anfield when Raul, the legendary Spain striker and emblem of Madrid, came up to him. He congratulated him and then got straight to the point. ‘Will you come and join us next season, Steven?’ asked Raul. VIDEO Scroll down to watch funny Steven Gerrard impressionist and Rodgers praising him . Staying put: Steven Gerrard has been at Liverpool for the whole of his career . Holy grail: Could Gerrard lift the Premier League trophy this season? That offer, which was made five years ago this week, was not the first he received to leave Liverpool, nor was it the last, but it illustrated how the powerhouse clubs in Europe viewed him - a big-game player who produced the big moments exactly when they were needed. Of course, there was never any chance of Stevie going to Madrid, but had he done so it would have been impossible to begrudge him the opportunity. Those with his quality deserve to perform on the biggest stage and deserve to have trophy cabinets that are full to the brim. Had he chosen to leave, he could have doubled his collection of 11 major honours. If, say, he had joined Chelsea when the chance first arose in 2004 — the same year Manchester United tentatively enquired about him —  Stevie would have lifted the Barclays Premier League trophy three times. My only advice to him back then, when Chelsea ramped up their efforts, was to look at the big  picture. He could have gone to Stamford Bridge and returned  with all kinds of medals but when he eventually returned home to  Liverpool, how would he have been viewed? Would Liverpool fans have congratulated him? Would they have been happy to see him be  successful? Given the rivalry between the clubs, it would have been impossible. That’s why one title with Liverpool would mean more to him than 10 anywhere else. Ultimately, he was right to stay; 12 months after that first offer from Chelsea, Stevie got his hands on the biggest prize of all in Istanbul. He immortalised himself with his performances that season, most notably in the Champions League final against AC Milan. No go: Gerrard was asked by Raul when he was going to join the Spanish giants . It could have been so different: Chelsea made a move for Gerrard but he opted to stay at Liverpool . Tittle winner: Gerrard could have won the Premier League title if he had moved to Chelsea . When you think about it, though, his loyalty to Liverpool has been unbelievable. Had he not come from this city, I don’t think for one moment he would have stayed, particularly given that Liverpool haven’t been anywhere near the Champions League for five years. I don’t believe he needs the medal to cement his legacy but if you are a genuine football fan, for everything he has done over the past 15 years, you should want to see him complete his collection. There are parallels with his  current situation to how it was for Bryan Robson at United in the early 1990s, a club captain who had enjoyed great success, led his country with distinction but had found the one honour he craved most of all frustratingly out of reach. Robson was still United’s driving force when they mounted their first real assault on the title in 1991-92, but their quest to end a 25-year wait was shattered at Anfield when Liverpool won 2-0. Stevie could easily find himself in a similar position on Sunday. If Chelsea beat Aston Villa and  Liverpool lose at Old Trafford, I feel a 10-point gap would be too difficult to overhaul, but Stevie is going into this make-or-break collision playing some of the best football of his career. He has been questioned at times this season and there was even a theory Liverpool would be better off without him after they blitzed Tottenham 5-0 in December, but such talk about a man who has scored in each of the four major cup finals and at two World Cups was nonsense. Without any kind of fuss, he has slotted into what has been called ‘the Pirlo role’ and dictated  Liverpool’s play, showing his exemplary range of passing. It is the  latest role he has mastered. He is a player who grandfathers will tell their grandchildren about. We love foreign players who can star in a variety of positions. We hear about how they have been well-schooled but what about Stevie? He has thrived as a No 10, a deep-lying central midfielder, on the right flank or at right back. He could even play as a central defender and don’t forget Fabio Capello used him on the left for England. Landing the big one: Gerrard's won the Champions League with Liverpool in 2005 . Here to stay: Gerrard speaks with then Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez after committing his future to the club in 2005 following interest from Chelsea . Silver lining: Gerrard has won every domestic trophy in his time at Anfield - except the Premier League . There has been talk he will end his international career after the World Cup but he is still England’s first-choice midfielder and I can’t see anyone emerging to dislodge him. Jack Wilshere and Jordan Henderson are the new kids on the block but they are still playing catch-up. Leading England to Brazil is something I know he is very proud of, but nothing would make him prouder than leading Liverpool to a first title since 1990. Full steam ahead: Gerrard will lead England in Brazil . The next generation: Jordan Henderson and Jack Wilshere could be the future of England's midfield . After the Rafa Benitez era was over, we both felt our chance to become champions of England had gone. Certainly when Brendan Rodgers became manager, that feeling was even more acute as we knew it was a new project that would take a while to get going, so to be in this position is not something Stevie is going to want to let slip. Captain Marvel: Bryan Robson went years at United without winning the league title . Job done: Robson finally got his hands on the Premier League title in 1993 . Followers of Chelsea and  Manchester City will disagree — so, too, will Manchester United fans and Evertonians — but there would be no more romantic end to this  season than seeing Stevie lift the Premier League trophy at Anfield on May 11. For his quality and loyalty, it would cap a glorious career. It was a privilege to be in the Nou Camp on Wednesday to see the exhilarating battle between Lionel Messi and Vincent Kompany. Earlier this season, after his colossal display against Manchester United, I said Kompany had given one of the best performances I’d seen by a central defender, and had City managed to get through to the last eight, I would have said the same again. Star turn: Lionel Messi played a big part in Barcelona beating Manchester City on Wednesday . Dink of delight: Messi scores at the Nou Camp against City . To see him playing with such power, presence and understanding, it reminded me of Marcel Desailly at his best. He was like a man playing against boys. His signing for £6million in 2008 must rate as City’s best value-for-money signing of their modern era. But it has to be noted that Kompany was marking a Messi who was only playing at 70-80 per cent of his maximum. You could see him walking around for long periods, protecting himself so he didn’t suffer any further hamstring problems. Marked man: Vincent Kompany gets to grips with Messi . Dejected: Kompany reacts after his team's defeat in Barcelona . When Messi came alive, though, he was a joy to watch. He was always aware of what was going on around him and he produced six or seven pieces of play that took the breath away. When he got the chance to finish the tie, there was never a sense he would miss. We must all hope that Messi does not get plagued by hamstring trouble because he could light up the World Cup this summer. If he produces in Brazil what we have seen him do for Barcelona, Argentina will have an outstanding chance of winning their first title since 1986. What’s more, if Messi peaks in June and July, we’ll be talking about the greatest player of all time. A fortnight has flown by since my last column and once again I’ve had plenty of things to keep me busy. 1 Dinner with Roy Hodgson - It was good to catch up with my old manager in Barcelona. He’d been to watch Manchester City’s Champions League game and, after I’d finished my duties with Sky, we had a bite to eat. He is relishing going to the World Cup. Good catch up: Jamie Carragher went for dinner with his former manager Roy Hodgson in Barcelona . 2 Watching some authentic football - Marine, who play in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League, are based not too far from where I live and last weekend I took my son, James, to see them play Ashton United. Marine lost 1-0 but it was an enjoyable game and we will go again. 3 Starting a new playing CAREER - It was good to be involved in the ‘Game against Poverty’ with a host of stars 10 days ago in Switzerland but earlier this week I stepped on to the five-a-side court for the first time. It certainly got the old legs moving! Star turnout: Carragher joined Ronaldo, Luis Figo, Zinedine Zidane and a many more stars in the Match against Poverty . 4 Tuning into the Six Nations - I’ve become more interested in rugby union since my visit to Twickenham last month and the action this afternoon promises to be riveting. Fingers crossed England get the convincing win they need to become champions. Final chance: Stuart Lancaster and England go into their final game with Italy with a chance of winning the Six Nations . 5 Waiting for the Great Escape - I will be at Old Trafford to see if Manchester United can retrieve a difficult situation against Olympiacos and that will evoke some memories. Liverpool, of course, needed a dramatic victory against the Greek side on the way to the Champions League final in 2005. Can United do the same? You beauty: Gerrard celebrates scoring for Liverpool against Olympiacos in 2004 to earn a 3-1 win .
Liverpool man has had plenty of chances to leave Anfield but stayed loyal .
Gerrard could end England career this summer - but who will replace him?
If he did not come from Liverpool he would have left the club ages ago .
Steven Gerrard had just given one of his finest Liverpool performances when he was asked a question that stopped him in his tracks. Having scored two goals to inspire a 4-0 demolition of Real Madrid in the Champions League, Steven was soaking up the atmosphere inside Anfield when Raul, the legendary Spain striker and emblem of Madrid, came up to him. He congratulated him and then got straight to the point. ‘Will you come and join us next season, Steven?’ asked Raul. VIDEO Scroll down to watch funny Steven Gerrard impressionist and Rodgers praising him . Staying put: Steven Gerrard has been at Liverpool for the whole of his career . Holy grail: Could Gerrard lift the Premier League trophy this season? That offer, which was made five years ago this week, was not the first he received to leave Liverpool, nor was it the last, but it illustrated how the powerhouse clubs in Europe viewed him - a big-game player who produced the big moments exactly when they were needed. Of course, there was never any chance of Stevie going to Madrid, but had he done so it would have been impossible to begrudge him the opportunity. Those with his quality deserve to perform on the biggest stage and deserve to have trophy cabinets that are full to the brim. Had he chosen to leave, he could have doubled his collection of 11 major honours. If, say, he had joined Chelsea when the chance first arose in 2004 — the same year Manchester United tentatively enquired about him —  Stevie would have lifted the Barclays Premier League trophy three times. My only advice to him back then, when Chelsea ramped up their efforts, was to look at the big  picture. He could have gone to Stamford Bridge and returned  with all kinds of medals but when he eventually returned home to  Liverpool, how would he have been viewed? Would Liverpool fans have congratulated him? Would they have been happy to see him be successful? Given the rivalry between the clubs, it would have been impossible. That’s why one title with Liverpool would mean more to him than 10 anywhere else. Ultimately, he was right to stay; 12 months after that first offer from Chelsea, Stevie got his hands on the biggest prize of all in Istanbul. He immortalised himself with his performances that season, most notably in the Champions League final against AC Milan. No go: Gerrard was asked by Raul when he was going to join the Spanish giants . It could have been so different: Chelsea made a move for Gerrard but he opted to stay at Liverpool . Tittle winner: Gerrard could have won the Premier League title if he had moved to Chelsea . When you think about it, though, his loyalty to Liverpool has been unbelievable. Had he not come from this city, I don’t think for one moment he would have stayed, particularly given that Liverpool haven’t been anywhere near the Champions League for five years. I don’t believe he needs the medal to cement his legacy but if you are a genuine football fan, for everything he has done over the past 15 years, you should want to see him complete his collection. There are parallels with his  current situation to how it was for Bryan Robson at United in the early 1990s, a club captain who had enjoyed great success, led his country with distinction but had found the one honour he craved most of all frustratingly out of reach. Robson was still United’s driving force when they mounted their first real assault on the title in 1991-92, but their quest to end a 25-year wait was shattered at Anfield when Liverpool won 2-0. Stevie could easily find himself in a similar position on Sunday. If Chelsea beat Aston Villa and Liverpool lose at Old Trafford, I feel a 10-point gap would be too difficult to overhaul, but Stevie is going into this make-or-break collision playing some of the best football of his career. He has been questioned at times this season and there was even a theory Liverpool would be better off without him after they blitzed Tottenham 5-0 in December, but such talk about a man who has scored in each of the four major cup finals and at two World Cups was nonsense. Without any kind of fuss, he has slotted into what has been called ‘the Pirlo role’ and dictated  Liverpool’s play, showing his exemplary range of passing. It is the  latest role he has mastered. He is a player who grandfathers will tell their grandchildren about. We love foreign players who can star in a variety of positions. We hear about how they have been well-schooled but what about Stevie? He has thrived as a No 10, a deep-lying central midfielder, on the right flank or at right back. He could even play as a central defender and don’t forget Fabio Capello used him on the left for England. Landing the big one: Gerrard's won the Champions League with Liverpool in 2005 . Here to stay: Gerrard speaks with then Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez after committing his future to the club in 2005 following interest from Chelsea . Silver lining: Gerrard has won every domestic trophy in his time at Anfield - except the Premier League . There has been talk he will end his international career after the World Cup but he is still England’s first-choice midfielder and I can’t see anyone emerging to dislodge him. Jack Wilshere and Jordan Henderson are the new kids on the block but they are still playing catch-up. Leading England to Brazil is something I know he is very proud of, but nothing would make him prouder than leading Liverpool to a first title since 1990. Full steam ahead: Gerrard will lead England in Brazil . The next generation: Jordan Henderson and Jack Wilshere could be the future of England's midfield . After the Rafa Benitez era was over, we both felt our chance to become champions of England had gone. Certainly when Brendan Rodgers became manager, that feeling was even more acute as we knew it was a new project that would take a while to get going, so to be in this position is not something Stevie is going to want to let slip. Captain Marvel: Bryan Robson went years at United without winning the league title . Job done: Robson finally got his hands on the Premier League title in 1993 . Followers of Chelsea and  Manchester City will disagree — so, too, will Manchester United fans and Evertonians — but there would be no more romantic end to this  season than seeing Stevie lift the Premier League trophy at Anfield on May 11. For his quality and loyalty, it would cap a glorious career. It was a privilege to be in the Nou Camp on Wednesday to see the exhilarating battle between Lionel Messi and Vincent Kompany. Earlier this season, after his colossal display against Manchester United, I said Kompany had given one of the best performances I’d seen by a central defender, and had City managed to get through to the last eight, I would have said the same again. Star turn: Lionel Messi played a big part in Barcelona beating Manchester City on Wednesday . Dink of delight: Messi scores at the Nou Camp against City . To see him playing with such power, presence and understanding, it reminded me of Marcel Desailly at his best. He was like a man playing against boys. His signing for £6million in 2008 must rate as City’s best value-for-money signing of their modern era. But it has to be noted that Kompany was marking a Messi who was only playing at 70-80 per cent of his maximum. You could see him walking around for long periods, protecting himself so he didn’t suffer any further hamstring problems. Marked man: Vincent Kompany gets to grips with Messi . Dejected: Kompany reacts after his team's defeat in Barcelona . When Messi came alive, though, he was a joy to watch. He was always aware of what was going on around him and he produced six or seven pieces of play that took the breath away. When he got the chance to finish the tie, there was never a sense he would miss. We must all hope that Messi does not get plagued by hamstring trouble because he could light up the World Cup this summer. If he produces in Brazil what we have seen him do for Barcelona, Argentina will have an outstanding chance of winning their first title since 1986. What’s more, if Messi peaks in June and July, we’ll be talking about the greatest player of all time. A fortnight has flown by since my last column and once again I’ve had plenty of things to keep me busy. 1 Dinner with Roy Hodgson - It was good to catch up with my old manager in Barcelona. He’d been to watch Manchester City’s Champions League game and, after I’d finished my duties with Sky, we had a bite to eat. He is relishing going to the World Cup. Good catch up: Jamie Carragher went for dinner with his former manager Roy Hodgson in Barcelona . 2 Watching some authentic football - Marine, who play in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League, are based not too far from where I live and last weekend I took my son, James, to see them play Ashton United. Marine lost 1-0 but it was an enjoyable game and we will go again. 3 Starting a new playing CAREER - It was good to be involved in the ‘Game against Poverty’ with a host of stars 10 days ago in Switzerland but earlier this week I stepped on to the five-a-side court for the first time. It certainly got the old legs moving! Star turnout: Carragher joined Ronaldo, Luis Figo, Zinedine Zidane and a many more stars in the Match against Poverty . 4 Tuning into the Six Nations - I’ve become more interested in rugby union since my visit to Twickenham last month and the action this afternoon promises to be riveting. Fingers crossed England get the convincing win they need to become champions. Final chance: Stuart Lancaster and England go into their final game with Italy with a chance of winning the Six Nations . 5 Waiting for the Great Escape - I will be at Old Trafford to see if Manchester United can retrieve a difficult situation against Olympiacos and that will evoke some memories. Liverpool, of course, needed a dramatic victory against the Greek side on the way to the Champions League final in 2005. Can United do the same? You beauty: Gerrard celebrates scoring for Liverpool against Olympiacos in 2004 to earn a 3-1 win .
to the brim. Had he chosen to leave, he could Liverpool has been unbelievable. Had he not come would have stayed, particularly given that Gerrard will lead England in Brazil . The next this summer. If he produces in Brazil what we had plenty of things to keep me busy. 1 Dinner