Rafa pleased with Gerrard verdict

Last updated : 25 July 2009 By Al Campbell
Gerrard was found not guilty of affray at Liverpool Crown Court yesterday and Benitez was glad his captain could now put it all behind him and concentrate on the season ahead.

"We are really pleased. He is very important for us and he can now focus just on football," said the boss.

"We are all pleased at the club and over here at the training camp.

"We have been supporting him all the time and were just waiting for the decision. Now he can concentrate just on football and hopefully play at the same level as last year."