Carlo Ancelotti: 'I tried to sign Steven Gerrard for AC Milan'

Carlo Ancelotti has revealed that he tried to sign Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard during his spell in charge of AC Milan.

The Real Madrid manager will face the former England skipper when the reigning European champions travel to Anfield in the Champions League this week.

The Italian told the Sun on Sunday: "We had sounded him out but Gerrard's bond with Liverpool was unbreakable.

"I don't remember exactly what year it was but we did try. Of course, I wanted to pair him up with [Andrea] Pirlo, it was a fantastic combination. Putting Gerrard in midfield with Pirlo. It would have been fantastic."

Ancelotti had an eight-year spell in charge of Milan before moving to Chelsea in 2009, during which he managed them in two Champions League finals against Liverpool.