Chapter 356: Chapter 356

Anfield, inside the Sky Sports studio.

When Gerrard saw this picture of him holding his daughter in the player tunnel, with his left hand touching the Liverpool crest, a strong wave of emotion surged in his heart, and his eyes couldn’t help but get moist.

"Ah, to be honest, even though I’ve retired, every time I see this picture, my heart is filled with a deep love for this club. You might laugh, but just yesterday, I dreamt that I was running on the Anfield pitch and even scored two goals!"

After speaking, Gerrard laughed and rubbed his eyes with his hand.

Gary Neville, the Manchester United legend who served the club for 19 years and appeared in 602 matches, handed a tissue to Gerrard.

"Stephen, I really feel for you," Neville said indignantly, "If it weren’t for Tang, who was still playing for Inter then, and injured your ankle in that UEFA Europa League match, I think you should have at least played for Villarreal for one more season instead of retiring so hastily!"

Jamie Carragher, who played for Liverpool for 17 years and made 737 appearances, also felt sorry for Gerrard.

"Stephen’s only about 20 appearances short of me for Liverpool. If it weren’t for that malicious foul by Tang, just one more season and Gerrard would definitely surpass me to become the second highest appearance maker in Liverpool’s history. I’m sure of it!"

After hearing these two absolute figures in English football jointly criticize Tang Long, Gerrard quickly waved his hand and explained:

"It’s not like that, let me explain. My ankle was already injured, and it was just a normal challenge; any player would do the same. Besides, I felt my body was no longer able to sustain another season for Liverpool, stepping back to leave Liverpool’s midfield future to the younger generation like Henderson has always been my intention."

Carra snorted and said, "You always are so magnanimous, but if you ask me, Manchester City is no good. These Middle Eastern oil tycoons think they can do whatever they please by waving a cheque. Even though I’m a staunch Liverpool man, if it were between Manchester City and Manchester United, I’d rather see Manchester United winning the title!"

"Haha, I second that!" He turned around with a smile and gave Carra a firm high-five.

Just then, the live director reminded them that the match was about to start, and the three quickly wrapped up their chat, sat up straight, and swiftly got into work mode.

"Good day, viewers, tuning in on time to Sky Sports. Bringing you live coverage of the 2015-2016 Premier League season, round 6, where Liverpool plays at home against Manchester City. This match will be jointly commentated by Neville, Carragher, and Gerrard."

"Now, let me quickly introduce the starting line-ups for both teams..."

Home team Liverpool: 4-3-2-1

Milner/Philippe Coutinho/Lallana

Moreno/Lovren/Skrtel/Klein

Away team Manchester City: 4-2-3-1

Sterling/Tang Long/Navas

Klichy/Ranocchia/Demichelis/Sagna

Seeing Manchester City’s starting line-up, Carra smiled slightly, thinking this match would be a walk in the park.

"It seems City’s captain Kompany’s minor thigh injury from training the day before yesterday isn’t just a smokescreen, as Demichelis replaces him in the starting centre-back position," Carra said.

Gerrard said, "Demichelis and I are the same age; we’re both 35... whether he can adapt to the high-intensity Premier League has yet to be seen."

"Liverpool’s line-up is relatively complete; at least in terms of personnel, they hold a certain advantage."

Perhaps feeling a bit partial towards Liverpool, Gerrard quickly added:

"However, even though City’s roster is not full, we cannot ignore their number 9, Tang!"

"Last season, when I faced him with Inter in the UEFA Europa League, I experienced his remarkable skills firsthand. This player is exceptionally talented, not even 20 years old, but his understanding of the game, especially anticipating the next move in certain moments, even surpasses mine."

"His performance since moving to the Premier League from Serie A also justifies why City spent over 70 million euros to bring him from Inter."

Gerrard’s speech was tactful and courteous.

This also aligns with his kind and considerate nature.

Meanwhile, Gary Neville, known for his sharp and biting commentary style, chuckled, "Hehehe."

"I noticed you both haven’t addressed the main point. Neither Kompany nor Tang can be the key players to decide this match."

"For City to score, Aguero is the key! And for not conceding, Joe Hart is crucial! With neither of them on the pitch, such a City will likely struggle to withstand Liverpool’s onslaught at Anfield!"

"As for Tang, speaking frankly, without a forward partner, he’s effectively shackled on the field."

At this moment, Neville’s earpiece relayed the director’s voice.

"Create some show effects, you three, predict the score!"

Neville first shared his prediction with the other two.

He said Liverpool would convincingly defeat City 3-0 at home, easily claiming the three points.

Liverpool legend Carragher laughed. He immediately agreed, thinking there’d be no issue for Liverpool to beat an under-strength City at home, although the three-goal margin was a bit far-fetched.