Former Liverpool captain, Steven Gerrard has revealed that the Reds used him to lure Chelsea signing, Willian to Merseyside.

Gerrard has claimed that the club used his reputation to attract several top quality players to Anfield over the years.

According to the former captain, every summer Liverpool approached Gerrard with a list of high quality targets and asked him to persuade them over the phone.

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“It was the same ritual every summer,” he said. “The club would let me know which long-shot target they had in mind and then ask me to contact him.

Furthermore, Steven Gerrard also revealed his usual technique of chatting up players and convincing them about a move to Liverpool.

“I followed the usual routine when approaching a star player we wanted to sign. Instead of calling him directly I always sent a text. It seemed more respectful and allowed the player to read my message at a time when it suited him best.

“I used the standard line: ‘If you need to chat or ask any questions I’m available at any time.’ It was the opening move in a familiar game.”

Gerrard’s revelation is no secret and most reputed players use their popularity to tap up new signings for their clubs. Just ask Barcelona about the Cesc Fabregas transfer.

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During his time at Liverpool, Gerrard spoke to Real Madrid star Toni Kroos and Chelsea’s Willian in order to convince them about a Liverpool move.

Willian was a target for Liverpool and Spurs before he joined Chelsea. The Chelsea player even arrived for a Tottenham medical, before Roman worked his magic and lured him to Chelsea.