Rafa: Stevie Is Still Our Skipper http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N149260050706-1551.htm Rafael Benitez today insisted he wants Steven Gerrard to remain as Liverpool captain - despite the Reds' midfielder offering to give up the armband. Gerrard spoke to his manager this morning and offered to give up the captaincy in the wake of this week's transfer saga. But Benitez, after speaking with several members of his first team squad, is adamant Gerrard remains the right man to lead the Reds next season. Speaking to Liverpoolfc.tv in an exclusive interview at Melwood, Benitez said: "Steven is our captain and I want him to stay as our captain. "It is true that he offered to give up the captaincy but I spoke to some players and our idea was the same - that Stevie should be our captain." Gerrard will hope to put a difficult week behind him by leading the Reds out at Wrexham on Saturday as the Reds play their first pre-season game. "I said to the manager I'd like to speak with the players on my own because I know some of them have been frustrated with what's gone on, just like the fans have," said Gerrard. "It would have broken my heart to have lost the captaincy but I thought it was right to make that offer." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Benitez: So Pleased Stevie Is Stayed http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N149264050706-1734.htm Rafael Benitez today admitted he was delighted to learn that Steven Gerrard was staying at Anfield. The Liverpool boss has remained steadfast in his belief over recent weeks that Gerrard would sign a new deal - and he now believes his captain will be a better player having cleared a huge weight from his shoulders. He said: "We are all delighted because we have all wanted him to stay. Whenever we have talked we have always known he wanted to stay and we understood the situation. "Now we have a clear idea about the future. It's important that we received this good news and it has come as a boost for everyone at the club. "I am sure now that Steve will be more focused on his club and on the games because his contract is sorted out. It will be a better situation for all of us "My relationship with Steven is fine, it always has been. I don't understand what I have been reading in the press. I am sure now that, if it's possible, our relationship will be even better. "It has been a good day for the club and now we are looking forward to working hard, to improving the team and to doing our best to win games when the season starts." --

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