Liverpool news: Steven Gerrard backs former boss Rafa Benitez to make Premier League return

Steven Gerrard believes Rafael Benitez could make a return to the Premier League. The 35-year-old midfielder has admitted he was saddened by the Spaniard's abrupt exit from Real Madrid, and thinks he may come back to England in the coming months.

Despite his sacking earlier this week, Gerrard says Benitez remains an attractive option for clubs around the world, due to his enviable record of success, which includes winning La Liga, the Europa League and the Champions League.

"I'm sad for Rafa because I thought he was doing a decent job at Madrid," said Gerrard, according to ESPN. "But with the quality in his CV, I'm sure big clubs around the world will be trying to get him because he's a wonderful manager."

Benitez's availability comes amid a heightened period of speculation surrounding the futures of a number of Premier League managers, especially after Pep Guardiola revealed his plans to coach in England. The Bayern Munich boss has been linked with roles at both Manchester United and Manchester City, as well as Chelsea, although he insists he has not made a decision yet.

Gerrard – who was Benitez's captain during their time together at Liverpool – has admitted he would not be surprised to see the his former boss come back to England, where he led both the Reds and, in a turbulent spell, Chelsea.

Asked about Benitez's prospects of getting another job in the Premier League, the former Liverpool captain said: "I can [see Benitez returning to England]. I don't know what club though. You never know what club in the Premier League might need a manager because any club could need a manager at any given time. It's a brutal business with results. Clubs change their managers very quickly at the moment."