Daniel Sturridge is convinced Steven Gerrard will eventually return to Anfield as Liverpool manager.
Daniel Sturridge: Thinks Steven Gerrard will be back at Anfield
Sturridge is due to return to action this weekend, ending a five-month injury lay-off, when the Reds return to Premier League action against West Ham.
Since Sturridge was injured, Gerrard has revealed this will be his last season - for now - at the club and he will be leaving for the MLS with the LA Galaxy at the end of the campaign.
But the striker is certain it is not the last Anfield will see of the 34-year-old and expects to be playing under him before his own playing days come to an end.
Devastated
"I'm devastated he's leaving," Sturridge said.
"I think he'll be at the club in some capacity very soon and I'm sure he'll manage the club one day.
"Words can't describe what he's done for Liverpool as well as his country.
"He's still a role model of mine. I look up to him, I think everyone in the squad does. He'll be sorely missed - he's somebody who's given me a lot of experience and helped me to improve as a person and a footballer."
Sturridge was originally injured on England duty, suffering a thigh problem, but he was due to return last month, only to sustain a fresh thigh injury just as he looked to be ready to return.
No holding back
But he feels ready to end his lay-off and admits he has learned a lot from the sidelines - albeit as a frustrated supporter.
"I've been champing at the bit," Sturridge added.
"I'm ready now - it's been a long time coming, but I am happy with how everything has gone and I am looking forward to it. I won't hold back from anything.
"I don't like watching too much but I had to. I watched every single match when I was in the States - I was getting up early doors in the morning, so sometimes it'd be 4am depending on where I was and what time the game was.
"I'd get up early and it was important for me to see how we played, the formations and the style of the new players.
"But it was hugely important (to go out there) and I am thankful to the guys over there who helped me out."