Steven Gerrard has disclosed that he came extremely close to accepting a second stint as Rangers manager before ultimately declining the opportunity.
The Liverpool legend broke his silence during an appearance on TNT Sports, explaining his decision to walk away from the Glasgow club.
"In terms of Rangers, very close. I had some really positive and interesting talks with the owners," Gerrard revealed on Saturday evening.
The 45-year-old had been strongly linked with replacing Russell Martin, who was dismissed from the role earlier this month.
Steven Gerrard was working as a pundit on TNT Sports on Saturday as Liverpool hosted Aston Villa
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Gerrard managed Rangers between 2018 and 2021, securing the Scottish Premiership title during the 2020-21 campaign.
He has been without a managerial position since departing Al-Ettifaq by mutual consent in January.
The former England midfielder engaged in several rounds of negotiations with Rangers executives Andrew Cavenagh and Paraag Marathe in London. However, he felt the timeframe for reaching a decision was too compressed.
"It felt a bit rushed to me because I had my family in Bahrain at the time. I had a lot to think about and a short space of time to give a decision," Gerrard explained during his television appearance.
The discussions occurred after Rangers parted ways with Russell Martin, with bookmakers even suspending betting on Gerrard's appointment at one stage.
Steven Gerrard won Rangers their last title in the Scottish Premiership in 2021 | PADespite the encouraging nature of the talks, the Liverpool icon harboured reservations about various aspects of the potential return.
Several factors contributed to Gerrard's decision to step back from the opportunity.
His family's residence in Bahrain presented logistical challenges, whilst he emphasised the necessity for ideal conditions before undertaking such a significant responsibility.
"There were a few things I was uncertain about. And if I'm going to take a challenge that big and that important, I've got that affection and that connection with Rangers," he stated.
"For me to take that on again, it had to be perfect and I had to be 100 per cent ready."
The former midfielder acknowledged conducting thorough assessments of both personal and professional considerations. "The pressure and the responsibility is on your shoulders, it's such a massive challenge and a massive club," he added.
"My heart was 100% there"
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Gerrard's emotional attachment to Rangers remains undiminished despite his decision to decline the position. "My heart was there, and it always will be with Rangers," he affirmed during the broadcast.
The former Aston Villa manager expressed optimism about potentially returning to Ibrox in different circumstances.
"I wouldn't go in there if I was 80, 90 per cent ready. But hopefully one day, I'll be more ready and more prepared for it and that chance might come again," he said.
Rangers subsequently appointed Danny Rohl as their new manager.
Gerrard offered his support to his successor, stating: "They've got a fantastic manager now.
"I'll watch as a fan from afar and I wish them all the best."