Steven Gerrard: why did he leave Rangers to accept Aston Villa job?

Aston Villa sacked manager Dean Smith a week ago after five straight losses and went after Liverpool legend and former Rangers boss Steven Gerrard. Gerrard accepted the proposal and was announced the Midlands club boss in his first managerial position in the Premier League.

Gerrard led Rangers to the Scottish Premier League title last season, their 55th in history and the first time a team other than Celtic will win the league since 2011. He did so in a spectacular fashion by ending the season unbeaten.

Gerrard accepted the Aston Villa job because he said it was too big to turn down. "I was first aware of Aston Villa's interest on Wednesday, I had a call from my representative, and when the phone call sank in, I wanted this to happen very quickly, because first and foremost the opportunity was too big,” he told Villa TV.

It will not be long before Gerrard will take his new team to face the only club he played for in the Premier League, Liverpool. The two teams will meet on December 11 and Gerrard will face Jürgen Klopp, the manager he is tipped to replace in the Anfield dugout one day.