my liverpool fc

Steven Gerrard has plunged his Liverpool future into doubt after saying he will consider his options following the World Cup.

Gerrard is away on England duty with Fabio Capello's squad but has faced questions over a possible summer move in the wake of a disappointing season at Anfield.

The Reds missed out on a place in the UEFA Champions League and came seventh in the Premier League under Rafa Benitez's stewardship.

That has led to speculation that the mercurial captain may seek a move elsewhere next season, although he has so far refused to entertain such suggestions despite apparent interest from Real Madrid.

Next best move

But the 29-year-old, who nearly signed for Chelsea in 2004 before a dramatic U-turn, says he will weigh up his future after the tournament in South Africa.

Gerrard said in the Daily Star Sunday: "I won't consider my future or think about what is going to happen to me until after the World Cup.

"After the World Cup you have three or four weeks of holiday to consider what the next best move will be for you."

Despite his admission, Gerrard says he will not let any transfer gossip distract him from the England cause.

England are chasing a first triumph since their solitary victory in 1966 and the Liverpool man revealed speculation ruined his last World Cup.

Chelsea were also said to be interested in recruiting the Merseyside star in 2006 when England battled it out in Germany with then manager Sven Goran Eriksson.

And the Anfield skipper said he would not repeat the errors of four years ago, where he admitted to tracking the talk over his future.

Driven mad

He added: "I fell into a trap four years ago at the last World Cup. I used to go back to my room, read the papers and go on the internet and then I would speak to people at home who were telling me there was stuff going on.

"I knew that Chelsea were very interested because my agent was telling me. Every time I went back to my room I was driving myself mad thinking about whether I should go to Chelsea.

"Mentally it drained me. I don't know if it did not but I won't make that mistake again.

"People around me are under strict instructions not to be talking about my club future or speculation. It's not important now.

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