Steven Gerrard reveals classy Jurgen Klopp message and future Liverpool aspirations after Villa appointment

Steven Gerrard revealed Jurgen Klopp sent him a classy message after landing the Aston Villa job.

And the Liverpool legend insists he's not using his new role as a stepping stone in a bid to become Anfield chief down the line.

What's been said?

Gerrard was appointed Villa manager last week following the sacking of Dean Smith.

The 2005 Champions League-winning captain left his post as Rangers boss, only months after guiding the Ibrox outfit to the Scottish Premiership title.

Gerrard will return to Anfield for the first time since leaving as a player in 2015 when Villa travel to the Reds on Saturday 11 December.

And the ex-England skipper revealed he sees Klopp regularly in the Formby area of Merseyside and they'll embrace on the Anfield touchline.

Speaking at his Villa press conference, Gerrard said: "I've been in touch with Klopp, I bump into him when he walks his dogs.

“He sent me a message saying he is looking forward to a big hug on the sideline when Villa play Liverpool next month.”

Future ambitions

Many believe that Gerrard is the perfect successor to Klopp when he leaves Liverpool.

Klopp, who has guided the Reds to Champions League and Premier League glory, is expected to depart the Reds when his contract expires in 2024.

However, Gerrard is adamant he’s not gone to Villa to prepare him for a switch to Merseyside in the future - although he didn’t deny he’d one day like to manager Liverpool.

Gerarrd added: “Very unfair. You'll never hear me say it's a stepping stone. I'm honoured and proud to be in this position. I will be 100% committed and more.

“There is nothing wrong with dreams and aspirations, but they [Liverpool] have a world-class coach right now and if he signed a deal for life right now I'd be very happy.”