Sir Alex Ferguson wrote in his autobiography that Steven Gerrard was never a "top, top player." When Zinedine Zidane heard that, he couldn't stay silent.
What Ferguson Wrote
In his 2013 autobiography, Ferguson penned a line that the football world has never forgotten:
"I'm one of the few who felt Gerrard was not a top, top player."
The statement infuriated Liverpool fans. Gerrard made 710 appearances for the club. He led the team to the 2005 Champions League title, sparking an iconic comeback from 3-0 down against AC Milan.
Zidane's Response
Zidane, widely considered the greatest midfielder of all time, heard Ferguson's comments and spoke to The Mirror:
"For two or three years, Steven Gerrard was the best midfield player in the world. Alex Ferguson is obviously one of the most successful coaches the game has ever had. But I did find his comments about Steven Gerrard very strange. To say he is not a top player is wrong."
The Context
Many interpreted Ferguson's statement as an attempt to elevate his own player — Paul Scholes — at Gerrard's expense.
Ironically, despite calling Gerrard less than a "top" player, Ferguson himself tried to sign the midfielder for Manchester United as a young player.
Ferguson's words are debatable. Zidane's response is not.
