Michael Owen has confirmed his unhappiness at the prospect of Steven Gerrard leaving Liverpool.
Anfield captain Gerrard seems to be nearing a multi-million pound move to Chelsea, but Owen is not happy at the prospect of his close friend departing the club.
"I think it would be impossible to replace Stevie," Owen told The News of the World.
"He is the driving force and such a strong influence on our team.
"Last season he was our player of the year by a country mile and it would seriously weaken the side if he were to leave.
"I am merely echoing what all Liverpool fans would be thinking by describing it as a catastrophe.
"They would expect the club to sign two or three world-class players with any money they received for Stevie and I feel the same.
"But I don't know what the future holds for him. As far as I am concerned it is just newspaper speculation at the moment. I hope that Liverpool would make every possible effort to keep him."
On his own future Owen reiterated that he will only stay if the club match his ambitions.
"I am not issuing any ultimatums or threats, that is not my style," said Owen - who is yet to commit his long-term future to the club.
"But I do need to be sure we have a team that can close the gap on the top two clubs. That has been my position all along.
"Myself, Stevie Gerrard, Jamie Carragher and the Liverpool coach Sammy Lee met the new boss in Portugal and were very impressed with what he said.
"He told us the direction he wanted to take the club and the sort of players he wanted to sign. Now we need to see that happen."
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Looks like Gerrard is set to join Chelsea. Liverpool would really miss him but £40Million spending money if he goes
And great to see Chelsea keeping signing English players. Im loving it
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