Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard says he was left "devastated, devastated" by Xabi Alonso's sale to Real Madrid in the summer. Gerrard, who is currently injured and misses Wednesday night's Champions League clash with Lyon, forged a good understanding with Alonso in midfield.

"Devastated, yeah. Devastated. But there was nothing I could do about it," he told FourFourTwo magazine.

"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."

Gerrard added: "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."