Gerrard texted Kroos to join Liverpool in 2014 — and Kroos let him down gently

Steven Gerrard personally texted Toni Kroos in the summer of 2014 in an attempt to lure the World Cup winner to Liverpool, only for the German to turn him down and join Real Madrid — a decision that would shape European football for the next decade.

Gerrard disclosed the approach in his 2015 autobiography, My Story, revealing that then-manager Brendan Rodgers had given him an unofficial recruitment role at the club. Each summer, Rodgers would identify a target and ask his captain to make direct contact. The 2014 target, Gerrard admitted, was “ridiculously optimistic”.

“I knew Real Madrid were gearing up to make Bayern Munich an offer and so I felt a bit awkward when I texted Kroos,” Gerrard wrote. “But God loves a trier and so I gave it a whirl. Some of the best footballers in the world can also be the most respectful. Kroos did not make me feel like I was a total idiot. But, of course, he would soon sign for Real.”

Kroos, speaking to The Athletic in 2020, confirmed the exchange with characteristic understatement. “It wasn’t a straight chat-up line, but they offered to tell me more about the club and so on,” he said. “The funny thing was, [Luis] Suarez was about to leave to Barcelona anyway.”

The German went on to become one of the defining midfielders of the modern era at the Bernabéu, winning four La Liga titles and five Champions League trophies. He appeared in the 2018 and 2022 Champions League finals against Liverpool, winning both, before retiring from football following Euro 2024.

Gerrard also revealed a similar approach to Brazilian winger Willian in 2013, which ended even more bluntly. After receiving Gerrard’s text, Willian reportedly replied: “I’m not sure Liverpool can win me the Champions League.” He subsequently joined Chelsea for £30 million under José Mourinho, spending seven years at Stamford Bridge and winning two Premier League titles — but no Champions League.