STEVIE: ROBBIE IS IRREPLACEABLE
Jimmy Rice 14 May 2007
Steven Gerrard believes Liverpool face an impossible task in trying to replace departing legend Robbie Fowler. The club captain admits Fowler's presence will be greatly missed both on and off the field when he leaves Melwood for the final time this summer.
"There aren't many strikers around like Robbie anymore, not just in England but around Europe," said Gerrard.
"In his prime he was one of the best finishers there's ever been. When you think he took the number nine shirt from Ian Rush and managed to fill it, I don't think there's a bigger tribute you can pay to him than that.
"The number nine shirt at Anfield is one of the most important and it's been great to see Robbie wearing it again. Whoever is lucky enough to wear it next year will have an impossible job on their hands replacing Robbie. If they're half as good as he's been for the club, they'll have to be a great player.
"All the lads are going to miss him on and off the park next season. There was no-one in Liverpool happier than me when we signed him back. He just belonged here. One of the reasons he's such a legend is even when he'd left us the first time, it was impossible not to think of him as a Liverpool player.
"Whenever we had a big game against Everton or Manchester United, or in the Champions League, you could guarantee Robbie would be texting us wishing us good luck, or saying well done if we had a good result."
Despite a lack of first-team opportunities of late, Gerrard revealed Fowler has been a model of professionalism ever since his return to Merseyside two years ago.
"Everyone knows how much he loves the club, which is why he's always had such a rapport with the fans. Since he's been here he's worked so hard for us and been the ultra professional.
"It must be hard when you've been used to playing every week but you have to be patient and wait for your chance. The way he's reacted is an example to everyone.
"On and off the park it's been great to have him here. It's going to be very difficult for someone to follow him."
While Fowler himself admits he had to fight back the tears after his final game at Anfield on Sunday, Gerrard hopes there will yet be one last chapter in the striker's love affair with Liverpool.
"I know Robbie will be working as hard as anyone to be involved in the Champions League final and you can't rule out the possibility he'll make a big contribution."
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