Europe’s Ryder Cup captain Darren Clarke has revealed he may ask Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard to say a few words to boost the team before they face the Americans in the 2016 tournament at Hazeltine.
Clarke, who is a keen Reds supporter, wants Gerrard to emulate the inspirational effect Sir Alex Ferguson’s speech had on the Europeans ahead of their 2014 campaign, with the hope they can secure a fourth Ryder Cup victory in a row.
Paul McGinley – a Manchester United fan – requested Ferguson do the honours last year, and Europe claimed the trophy by a five point margin.
If Gerrard had a similarly positive effect on Europe though, it might not go down so well with his future club colleagues – the 34 year-old has signed for LA Galaxy and will move to California in the summer.
“LA is not that close to Minnesota so we will see,” laughed Clarke to the Guardian, recollecting Gerrard’s impending move stateside.
“Paul [McGinley] obviously got a lot of help and advice from a lot of different people who have been in that position of managing people and looking after people and I will be the same.
“There are a few people that I am thinking about. We’ll see. He [Gerrard] is a real legend. If I were to do something like that, he would be someone I would consider.”
Given criticism of Gerrard over the past couple of days, it’s nice to see him recognised as the great player and leader he is again.