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Steven Gerrard when being unveiled as Rangers manager first time around but will he be so again?(Image: Getty Images)

Seven Gerrard has further fuelled speculation he will be returning to Rangers as next manager - after pulling out of an exhibition match for one of his former Liverpool team-mates for "professional reasons".

Gutted Frenchman Djibril Cisse revealed the former Anfield captain has been forced to withdraw from his “jubilee match”.

The ex Reds striker, who won the Champions League with Gerrard in Istanbul 20 years ago, took to Instagram to say: “Unfortunately, for professional reasons, Steven Gerrard just advised me that he won’t be able to grace his presence for my anniversary next Tuesday, May 27.

“My disappointment is great by my respect for my captain goes above all.

"What we lived together in Istanbul 20 years ago, will go above and beyond.

Big respect captain @stevengerrard.”

Cisse played with Gerrard for two years at the English Premier League champions after joining from Auxerre in a big money move in the summer of 2004.

Article continues belowTraore (centre) was Gerrard's teammate on the road to Istanbul in 2005.(Image: Liverpool Echo/Colin Lane)

Since retiring in 2021, the former France international has returned to Auxerre, where he forms part of Christophe Pelissier’s backroom staff.

He is currently working at the Ligue 1 side as a striker coach.

He is now set to have a “jubilee” match and the Frenchman took to social media recently to announce Gerrard’s participation before his recent statement.

The match will see an Auxerre Legends XI play against Cisse All-Stars.

Gerrard’s withdrawal comes with speculation rife that he is set to return to the Ibrox hot-seat.

He is favourite for the job and the fact he has pulled out for “professional” reasons is intriguing as the icon bared his soul on pal Peter Crouch's podcast in March and admitted he was glad to be out of the firing line.

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Speaking eight weeks ago, Gerrard said: "I don’t want to be back in work mate, no.

I’m happy with waking up and being free, doing the family stuff, just being free away from stress.”


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