Former Celtic midfielder Liam Henderson has revealed that Rangers boss Steven Gerrard was his role model while growing up as a footballer in Glasgow.
Henderson, who made 37 appearances for the Bhoys after making his competitive debut in 2013, is currently representing Hellas Verona in Serie B after moving on from Bari when they were declared bankrupt at the end of last season.
The midfielder was officially unveiled at his new club earlier this week, just a few days after Hellas Verona opened their Serie B campaign with a 1-1 draw at home against rivals Padova.
The 21-year-old impressed during the second half of last season and despite his future being thrown into the air due to Bari’s bankruptcy, he was not short of suitors in Italy.
Fiorentina were interested in snapping up the midfielder, but Henderson decided to join former Bari head coach Fabio Grosso, who also decided to shift loyalties to Hellas Verona this season.
Henderson also added that current Rangers boss Gerrard was his idol while growing up and that he looked up to the former Liverpool captain for inspiration during his younger days.
“I admired a lot of players growing up. Steven Gerrard being one, who is now the manager of Rangers”, former Celtic midfielder Henderson told a press conference.
“He was my big idol when I was growing up.
"My dad and my family have also had a big influence on my career, they’ve been nothing but supportive, but Gerrard is definitely my main idol", Henderson said.
In January, Henderson became the first Scot since Graeme Souness in 1984 to play in senior men’s football in Italy, when he made his debut for Bari against Empoli in Serie B.
