 Much discussion after the final centered on the future of Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard who had been linked with a move to rivals Chelsea . Gerrard stated in the immediate aftermath of the victory , " How can I think of leaving Liverpool after a night like this ? " Media reports then quoted Gerrard as saying he wished to leave Liverpool , citing events that had occurred in the month after the Champions League victory as the reason . On 6 July , however , Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry released a statement confirming that Gerrard would remain at the club , and Gerrard signed a new four @-@ year contract on 8 July . 
