Jonjo Shelvey ignored Steven Gerrard's advice and switched to Swansea from Liverpool

THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY: Shelvey left Liverpool for Swansea in order to get more playing time

Former Liverpool player Jonjo Shelvey has admitted that he chose not to listen to Steven Gerrard who advised him to stay at Liverpool and joined Swansea in order to develop as a player, The Daily Star reports.

The England international moved to Liverpool from Charlton Athletic for a fee of £2 million in the summer of 2010.

The 21-year-old even signed a long term deal last year after appearing 69 times for the Merseyside club.

Shelvey made up his mind to leave Anfield for Welsh club Swansea when they expressed an interest in him this season.

The player will face his former club today when Liverpool play Swansea City at home.

Shelvey said, “I said to Steve that I might have to go elsewhere to get football. He told me ‘stay here, you’ll get your chance’.

“It was great to hear that from him, but I felt I needed to come away.

“And I’m lucky that I’ve found my feet at a club like Swansea.

“It’s a different way of living down here, but I’m enjoying every minute of it. Living by the sea is beautiful.” Shelvey learnt a great deal from Gerrard during his time at Liverpool.

Shelvey lived directly opposite to Gerrard during his time at Liverpool.

“It was a bit insane really,” he added. “You go from living in a council house to living in this big house and looking out of your window at Steven Gerrard’s house.

“It’s mad, it’s mental, because I grew up watching him play. Then, I’m living next door to him.

“I’ve always tried to emulate him as a player. He has always been my favourite, but I suppose there comes a time in your life when you can’t just copy him. You have got to be your own player.”

Shelvey added, “For him to say that speaks volumes about this club.

“I agree with him because the way England play is very traditional.

“It’s no-one’s fault, it’s just the way England have played for a number of years.

“Look at the likes of Spain and Italy – we got battered by the Italians in the Under-21s.

“We couldn’t get the ball off them – but we had the players to do that to them.

“It’s frustrating because you get told to sit off and defend when we should be going out there and attacking them.

“We need to show a bit more bravery when we do play for our country to get on the ball and pass it.

“That’s something which is encouraged at Swansea.”

Shelvey started his youth career at Arsenal and West Ham United before moving to Liverpool.