Rangers manager Steven Gerrard reveals his big regret and advice

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has revealed his deep regret at his decision to hang up his boots at the age of 36 and has urged his in-form midfielder Steven Davis not to make the same mistake.
Steven Davis tussles with Filip Marchwinski during Rangers' 1-0 win over Lech Poznan at Ibrox. The veteran midfielder has been urged by Rangers manager Steven Gerrard to extend his playing career for as long as possible. (Photo by Alan Harvey / SNS Group)Steven Davis tussles with Filip Marchwinski during Rangers' 1-0 win over Lech Poznan at Ibrox. The veteran midfielder has been urged by Rangers manager Steven Gerrard to extend his playing career for as long as possible. (Photo by Alan Harvey / SNS Group)
Steven Davis tussles with Filip Marchwinski during Rangers' 1-0 win over Lech Poznan at Ibrox. The veteran midfielder has been urged by Rangers manager Steven Gerrard to extend his playing career for as long as possible. (Photo by Alan Harvey / SNS Group)

After a storied career, Gerrard called time on his playing days in November 2016, six months after his 36th birthday. Davis, who has been in excellent form for both Rangers and Northern Ireland this season, will be 36 in January and is out of contract at the Ibrox club next summer.

"My advice to Steven is to play as long as you can,” said Gerrard. “As a player who played until 36, I wish I played a little bit longer because you miss it. I certainly did.

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“They’re the best days in your football life. Coaching and management is nowhere near as good as it, let me tell you.”

Davis initially struggled to get up to speed when he returned for his second spell at Rangers, initially on loan, from Southampton in January 2019. But he has become an increasingly effective and influential figure at the club.

"There was a valid reason for his slow start when he came back,” said Gerrard. “He hadn’t played much football towards the end of his Southampton stay.

“I don’t think anyone has ever doubted his ability and his quality. As a human being he’s top, very professional. He’s really confident at the moment. I’m really happy and proud with all the leaders in our squad at the moment, the older players like Steven. They really set the standards for the younger lads to follow.”

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