Liverpool co-owner Gillett in it for the long haul

Gillett said: “I don’t think we’re here thinking about getting out. In fact the actual partners on the Gillett side of the deal are my three sons and so already we’re thinking about multi-generational ownership.

“Our hope would be this is a long-term love affair,” he declared. “This club is not far from being the greatest club in the world.

“We spent a wonderful, wonderful better part of an hour with Rafa today and he gave us a very frank assessment.

“He’s very proud of the players now.

“We’re truly not far from being a dominant type side.”