"I totally understand and respect the external noise and questions that have been coming my way."
Steven Gerrard responded to criticism that questioned his "integrity" ahead of Aston Villa's final game of the season against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
The Liverpool legend said his focus is on the Villa but said it would be "fantastic" if he helped his former side in the Premier League title race with a positive result.
Steven Gerrard on Aston Villa.
Gerrard's side are in 14th, however, a victory against Man City on Sunday could potentially result in Villa finishing in the top half of the Premier League.
The 41-year-old would like to reward his supporters with a positive result against Pep Guardiola's side.
“We’ve got three massive points to play for. We’ve got the opportunity to finish on a high at the end of the season," Gerrard
told reporters.
"It would be nice to reward our supporters with something at the weekend."
Gerrard addresses the Premier League title showdown.
Gerrard addressed his affiliation with Liverpool ahead of the City clash, although, he was disappointed that people questioned his "integrity" ahead of the match.
The former England captain said it would be "fantastic" if he helped Liverpool win the league, but his sole focus is on Aston Villa.
“In terms of Liverpool, I totally understand and respect the external noise and questions that have been coming my way for some time," Gerrard added.
“They’re involved in a title race and I spent a lot of time there. But it’s disappointing when people mention integrity aimed at me or Villa or any of my players. We’ll go out at the weekend and we’ll give it everything we’ve got to try and get points for Aston Villa and our supporters.
“If that inevitably helps Liverpool then fantastic. But my priority is to try and get points for Aston Villa.”
Aston Villa face Man City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, with kick-off at 4 pm.
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