Former Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez believes his old club will be losing their 'red heartbeat' when Steven Gerrard leaves at the end of the season. The Napoli coach added his own tribute to Gerrard, saying the 'Miracle of Istanbul' - the 2005 Champions League final victory against AC Milan from 3-0 down - would not have been possible without the inspirational captain. Benitez posted a poignant message to Gerrard on his personal website after the announcement that the 34-year-old would be leaving his hometown club Liverpool at the end of the season. Rafa Benitez (right, pictured in 2005) says Liverpool will miss their 'heartbeat' when Steven Gerrard leaves
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Steven Gerrard will say his goodbyes to Liverpool at the end of the season
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The 34-year-old looks set to end his career playing in the MLS
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And Benitez, now at Napoli, paid tribute to Gerrard on his personal website
@placeholder inspired the team that night, refusing to believe it was an impossible job at half time against AC Milan.