Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi has claimed that it was a pleasure to play alongside Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard when Italy met England in the opening group match at the World Cup 2014. Gerrard is regarded as one of the finest midfielders in the last few decades for the England national team. Over the years, many have praised the 34-year-old for having the quality to play for the best teams in the world. Even though he has never won the Premier League title, Gerrard has been hugely successful by lifting numerous trophies like the Champions League in his career.

On the other side of the pitch, De Rossi also enjoys a similar status with the Italian national team. He has also decided to stay at Roma throughout his career just like Gerrard has decided to stay at Liverpool. Both these veterans came up against each other in the group match, which ended in a 2-1 defeat for England. Gerrard used to be an all attack midfielder in his prime, but he is now playing in a defensive midfield position. Despite his presence on the pitch, England were unable to prevent defeat. Both England and Italy were knocked out of the World Cup at the group stages.

Suggestions are that Gerrard will announce his retirement from international football in a few weeks. “It is never normal for me to play against Gerrard. It always gets me emotional, I won’t deny it. Of course, on the field you’ve got to get stuck in there, but it is always a pleasure and an honour. He’s also a very nice guy, always very approachable. I cheered on Liverpool until the end, but they lost the Premier League title in an incredible way,” said the 30-year-old, who may just have one more World Cup left in him.