Steven Gerrard pulls out of event for 'professional reasons' amid Rangers talk
The former Liverpool skipper has had to duck out of French footballer Djibril Cisse's testimonial match, much to the disappointment of Cisse.
In an Instagram post, the ex-Champions League winner shared the news: "Unfortunately, for professional reasons, Steven Gerrard just advised me that he won't be able to grace his presence for my anniversary next Tuesday, May 27.
"My disappointment is great by my respect for my captain goes above all.
"What we lived together in Istanbul 20 years ago, will go above and beyond. Big respect captain @stevengerrard.", reports the Daily Record.
During his time at Liverpool, where they clinched the Champions League, Cisse played alongside Gerrard following his move from Auxerre back in 2004.
Having hung up his boots in 2021, Cisse is now working with Auxerre again, lending his expertise as a striker coach under Christophe Pelissier.
Gerrard was earlier announced to partake in Cisse's celebratory "jubilee" event that pits an Auxerre Legends XI against the Cisse All-Stars, before withdrawing due to said "professional reasons".
All eyes are on Gerrard now, as whispers grow louder about his potential return to the managerial hot-seat at Ibrox.
He's tipped as the top choice for the position, but his withdrawal for "professional" reasons is tantalising given the legend revealed his inner feelings on mate Peter Crouch's podcast back in March, expressing relief at being away from the hot seat.
Chatting two months prior, Gerrard confided: "I don't want to be back in work mate, no. I'm happy with waking up and being free, doing the family stuff, just being free away from stress."
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