Inside Steven Gerrard's 'complete' family life as he responds to becoming a grandad at 45
Steven Gerrard was thrilled as he reacted to the news he is going to become a grandad. The Liverpool FC icon responded to a heartfelt announcement from his daughter, Lilly Gerrard, as she confirmed she is expecting her first child.
The 20-year-old took to Instagram on Sunday as she said: "Our little secret. The best news, mini us is on the way @leebyrne8." The former Reds' captain was delighted as he is set to become a grandad when he turns 45 later this year.
He took to the comments and said: "We cant wait. Great news and congratulations. We love you." Lilly is Gerrard's oldest daughter as he shares three other children with his wife, Alex Gerrard.
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The happy couple are also the proud parents of Lexie, Lourdes and Lio. Gerrard regularly shares updates from his family life on Instagram with his 11.6m followers.
The 44-year-old has relocated to the Middle East to take over as manager of Saudi Arabian team, Al Ettifaq. However, the family do not reside in Saudi Arabia as they have chosen to live in nearby Bahrain.
Gerrard resides in a luxurious village in the Hamala village and takes an hour long commute for his managerial duties in Damman, where Al-Etttifaq are based. He regularly shares insights into his home life on Instagram.
He shared a heartfelt message to his son Lio as he turned seven last year. The home is decked out in modern style and boasts a pool in the background. In another post, Gerrard and his wife Alex pose in front of the pool ahead of a night out.
According to our sister site, Mirror Online, Gerrard's home costs about £10,000 per month and is situated near members of the Bahraini Royal family. Alex is reported to enjoy her time at the Bahrain World Trade Center in Manama, home to luxury fashion brands, and The Avenues, a waterfront shopping centre.
Their youngest kids attend a prestigious English language school in Bahrain, with fees nearing £11k per child. Gerrard's current contract at Al Ettifaq runs until 2027 with the former captain reported to enjoy the relative anonymity he receives in the country.
Mo Al Khalifa, who is a fellow member of the Ritz health club with Gerrard, told Mail Online last year: "Nobody bothers him because it’s not that kind of place. We are used to seeing rich and famous people here.
‘"They’re a lovely family, they come together to watch the football, especially if Liverpool are playing and you can tell that they are really enjoying life in Bahrain."
Gerrard also enjoyed this aspect of his life when he moves to Los Angles to play for LA Galaxy at the end of his career. He told CNN in 2016: "Life off the pitch has been pretty much straight forward. Los Angeles is a fantastic city. The weather’s good. I go about reasonably unrecognised and I’ve got peace and quiet out here.
“There’s so much to do out here for myself and my family. It’s been a smooth transition off the pitch and hopefully this year I can be a success and then I’ll go away very, very happy.”
Steven and Alex have been happily married since 2007 after they tied the knot in a luxurious ceremony at Cliveden House in Berkshire. Gerrard was aged 27 at the time and heaped praise on his bride in an interview after the wedding with OK! Magazine. He said: "When I saw her coming down the stairs, she just looked amazing. And the girls looked really beautiful. I was dead proud of all of them."
Since the wedding, Gerrard and Alex have welcomed Lourdes and Lio into the world. Gerrard announced his family was complete after he announced Lio's birth in 2017.
He said: "Lio George Gerrard was born this morning at 4.55am . Both are doing great. Our family is complete." Gerrard is now excited to welcome a new baby into the fold when the newest addition to the Gerrard family arrives later this year.
Alex welcomed Lilly into the world when she was 21 and the now 42-year-old is excited to become a nan. In response to Lilly's announcement, she said: "Can’t wait." Her second eldest child, Lexie, was also thrilled by the amazing family news. The 18-year-old said: "Can’t wait to be an auntie."