Michael Owen has claimed that the Liverpool hierarchy had resolved to find a new club for Steven Gerrard in 2013.
The Merseyside-born midfielder came through the club's academy and made a total of 710 appearances for the club in all competitions over 17 campaigns.
Following the arrival of Jurgen Klopp, Gerrard was moved along by the club and joined Los Angeles Galaxy, where he spent two seasons.
Writing on the subject of Gerrard in his autobiography Reboot, Owen said: "In Steven's case, I severely doubt whether he really wanted to go and play in the States in 2015. I've heard that the club wanted him out two years prior to when he actually left.
"I'm sure he would rather have wound his career down at Liverpool, playing increasingly fewer games until he reached a point where he could be integrated into the coaching staff.
"This only happened later in his case. But instead, because he'd become so symbolic and so powerful, I believe he was forced out in the short term. Steven was bigger than the club."
Gerrard, having retired in 2016, has impressed with his work as manager of Rangers, guiding the Glasgow club to the Europa League group stages with a 1-0 win over Legia Warsaw last month.
Owen has made a series of revelatory statements in his new book, including attacks on former teammates Alan Shearer and David Beckham.
Leo Nieboer
