Steven Gerrard has lifted the lid on the fantastically pampered world of England footballers - describing how some players complained about having to walk 50 yards for a massage. The former England captain recalls the incident in his new book My Story, which gives an astonishing insight into the modern game. Gerrard, who now plays in the US, was captain at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.The former England captain recalls the incident in his new book My Story, which gives an astonishing insight into the modern game.
Gerrard, who now plays in the US, was captain at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, where Frank Lampard, John Terry and Ashley Cole were among his team-mates.
Gerrard writes: 'As captain for the World Cup, I couldn't quite believe it when I heard some of the complaints from the players.
According to the former Liver Pool backbone,The squad
was based at the Royal Bafokeng Sports complex in Rustenburg – but in far less luxurious surroundings than they were used to.
Gerrard writes: 'As captain for the World Cup, I couldn't quite believe it when I heard some of the complaints from the players.'They were long and petty, and the worst – which sticks in my memory – was when some of the players came to me to complain that they had to walk 50 yards for a massage.
'Some footballers in that 2010 squad had big egos and they behaved like kids from time to time such that,there was some unbelievable whingeing going on in that Rustenburg camp.
Gerrard, who was renowned for his commitment and uncompromising playing style, says he was an admirer of manager Fabio Capello's tough training regime.
But he admits that the Italian's lack of fluent English was a major issue. Gerrard says: 'He had a weird way of expressing solidarity with his best players. He would never communicate it verbally. Instead he would walk over and give me a shoulder charge.
Gerrard, 35, played his final game for Liverpool last season after 504 appearances and 120 goals. He has 114 England caps, and scored 21 goals for his country.
He now plays Major League Soccer for LA Galaxy, where he picks up £76,000 a week, just over half of the £140,000 weekly wage he earned as Liverpool captain.
He lives in an £18 million six- bedroom Beverly Hills mansion with his wife Alex, 32, and daughters Lilly-Ella, 11, Lexie, nine, and Lourdes, three.
....Great player and a great career. Enjoy your time in the sun!
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