Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has admitted he was devastated by Xabi Alonso's exit from Anfield in the summer, revealing that he had known that the Spaniard had wanted to move on for some time.

Alonso joined Real Madrid in a £30million deal in July having handed in a transfer request with the Reds, after reportedly falling out with boss Rafa Benitez over his pursuit of Gareth Barry 12 months previously.

The midfield maestro's influence has been sorely missed this term, the Reds' poor form in his absence serving to underline the instrumental role he played in the club's title challenge last season.

Gerrard, who is currently sidelined with a persistent groin problem, has asserted that there was nothing anyone at the club could do to persuade him to stay, and that is is only now that he is gone that his quality is truly appreciated..

"Devastated, yeah. Devastated. But there was nothing I could do about it [Alonso's decision to leave]," he told FourFourTwo

"Xabi said a long time ago that he wanted another chapter in his career and finally he got it and his team-mates and the coaches couldn't stand in his way. We just have to say thanks and move forward without him.

"It's always going to be different when you lose one of the best players in the world - and people are finally realising that's what he is, on the back of his form for Real Madrid and the difference in us from last year,

"We've got other midfielders here doing a good job but it will take a while before Alonso's out of our system because he was such a top player.

"Defensively, because of his intelligence at picking up his positions, he was so good at protecting the central defenders.

"And going forward, he was one of the best passers of the ball I've ever seen; someone who could create something out of nothing."

How Liverpool must wish they had last season's clinical trio of Alonso, Gerrard and Fernando Torres available for this evening's crucial UEFA Champions League tie at Lyon's Stade Gerland.