RAFA BENITEZ has accused former Reds skipper Steven Gerrard of using his name as a publicity stunt in order to promote sales of his new autobiography.
In ‘My Story’, Gerrard said he believed that Benitez did not like him.
“I don’t think Rafa Benitez liked me as a person. I’m not sure why, but that’s the feeling I got from him,” he wrote.
But Benitez responded on Spanish TV ahead of Real Madrid’s Champions League clash with Shakhtyar Donetsk: “I have read the quotes and I believe he is wrong.
“Out of the respect that I have for Stevie and for the value and appreciation I have for him, and for Liverpool and the supporters, I think it’s best to just let it pass.
“He has brought out a book and now I’m the Real Madrid manager, that sells.”
Gerrard produced some of his best football at Anfield under Benitez’s tenure, but it appears he never felt comfortable with the Spaniard’s manner
“Rafa was appointed as Liverpool’s manager in June 2004 — and I was playing for England in the Euros in Portugal that summer,” Gerrard added.
“Even though he was being replaced by Rafa, Gerard Houllier still loved Liverpool and he remained very close to me. He and my mum flew out to Portugal to watch me play for England against Croatia — and they bumped into Rafa.
“Gerard introduced Rafa to my mum. Rafa shook her hand, said hello and then immediately asked her a very blunt question: ‘Does Steven like money?’
“Apart from a standard ‘Hello... good to meet you’ introduction, those were the first words Rafa said to my mum. I thought: ‘What kind of question is that?’
“I can pick up the phone and speak to all of my previous Liverpool managers. Except for Rafa.”
