Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt is crossing his fingers Steven Gerrard will not follow Rafael Benitez out of the Anfield exit door this summer.
Benitez left Liverpool by mutual consent earlier this month to bring to an end a six-year tenure most remembered by his Champions League success in 2005.
Kuyt was signed by Benitez from Dutch side Feyenoord a year later and the 29-year-old forward admitted he would be forever thankful to the Spaniard for giving him his chance in English football.
"I was sad to see Rafa go. He was the manager who brought me over to Liverpool and I think he is a great manager," he told The News of the World.
"He was very important for Liverpool. He won the Champions League and did wonderful things for the club.
"I would just like to thank Rafa for bringing me to Liverpool and making me the player I am now."
Following Benitez's departure there have been fears on Merseyside that Gerrard could follow him out of the club, with new Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho reportedly keen on luring a player he almost signed while he was with Chelsea.
That would be a major blow to Liverpool's hopes next season in the eyes of Kuyt, after they could only manage a seventh-place finish in the Barclays Premier League last term.
"I wouldn't like to see Stevie G go. Everyone wants to keep Stevie at the club," he added.
"He is the captain of the team, he's very important and his heart is bleeding Liverpool.
"So it must be a very good offer or a very good club if he wants to leave.
"But I don't know what will happen. It's just up to him and the club.
"I have spoken to Stevie while I have been here. We wished each other all the best before the games started but we just talked about football and not his future."
