Steven Gerrard was "devastated" when Xabi Alonso left Liverpool and admits the Reds have missed the Spaniard.

Liverpool captain Gerrard, who is currently injured and will miss Wednesday's Champions League clash with Lyon, forged a good understanding with Alonso in midfield.

Alonso moved on to Real Madrid in the summer, since when Liverpool have struggled for form in the Premier League and Champions League.

It was a move which hit Gerrard hard.

"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."