Rafa Benitez's offer to Steven Gerrard at Newcastle

The LA Galaxy midfielder this week announced his retirement from playing.

Gerrard – who won the Champions League with Benitez at Liverpool – is keen to get into coaching.

And Newcastle United manager Benitez says he would happily help the 36-year-old make the transition.

“I was really lucky because we got the best from Steven," said Benitez

"He scored 104 goals for us when we were there. He was the kind of player where you will not find too many now – a good professional and leader on the pitch.

"He was working so hard off the pitch and an example for everyone. He played in different positions so he was learning the understanding of the game, maybe he can be a good coach in the future.

"If he wants to talk to me about that, we can be in contact, and hopefully I can give him some good ideas.

"We are talking about one of the best payers I ever had. He can be an inspiration to the rest of the team like in Istanbul.

"Thanks to him, we won the Champions League in Istanbul. Everything was special that day.

"If he wants to come and talk about how to approach things, I can give my ideas, but he also has a lot of people around who can give him some advice."