STEVEN GERRARD savoured the sweet smell of success after ending Rangers’ decade-long wait for silverware and clinching his first medal as a manager.
Gerrard was drenched in champagne by striker Alfredo Morelos as the champions partied on the park following their 4-0 win over Aberdeen at Ibrox.
It marked a momentous moment for the club and supporters and one for Gerrard and his players to cherish as they secured an unbeaten league campaign.
Gerrard has had a transformative impact at Ibrox since his move from Liverpool three years ago and now has the ultimate achievement to show for his efforts in the dugout.
Gerrard said: “I've got a lot of experience. I've been a professional since I was 17 years of age. Sometimes these moments pass you by when you're younger.
“But I won't let another one of these moments ever pass me by again. What you have to sacrifice for moments like this family wise on a daily basis - getting up really early, working late at night, sleeping through the night with stuff on your mind...
“I wanted to enjoy this moment because it's been a long time since I've smelled this success and the champagne.
“I absolutely stink right now. It feels really good and I want more of it.
“I'm as hungry as anyone. It's in my DNA to go on and fight for more.
“That's what I've tried to instil in my players since day one. It's about getting their mentality into the right place to win and I believe I can do that.”
Gerrard arrived at Ibrox with a glittering CV as a player but faced questions over his lack of experience as a manager as he jumped in at the deep end with Rangers.
There have been lows along the way for the 40-year-old but this title success ranks amongst the best of his career after he guided Rangers to a historic 55th league crown.
Gerrard said: “Right up there, because I love winning. That is my drive, that is my buzz, that is what I get out of bed for in the morning.
“My family will always be number one in my life, football will be number two. I have still got drive and hunger to achieve more.
“My playing days were different, it was a different club and I am really proud of my playing days. Now it is a different journey and this is the first one, I hope it is the first of many.
“I will continue to sacrifice and grow and learn and push myself and the group that I am here representing to achieve success. That is my draw, that is my buzz.”
Rangers would mark their coronation as champions with another ruthless performance as Aberdeen were swept aside and the history books rewritten.
A Joe Lewis own goal, Kemar Roofe brace and strike from Jermain Defoe won it at Ibrox as the champions partied at the end of a remarkable campaign.
Gerrard said: “Listen, throughout the game today I was nervous for the players because I didn’t want this moment to be spoiled by a poor performance or a setback.
“I wanted the players leave a legacy this season, wanted them to create their own story that people will remember for many years that they could tell their kids and their grandkids. All credit to the players.
“Listen, there have been more times when I have had more nerves and butterflies, trust me.
“We always knew this was going to be a special day whatever the result was, but as you get closer to that final game, we set ourselves internal targets as the season went on.
“To actually get it done and be unbeaten, with four goals and a clean sheet… Some of the numbers the lads have done, I am sure once we get time to analyse that and reflect on that, they are numbers to be extremely proud of.”
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