Gerrard speaks out on missing champions league

"There has almost been a jealousy and an envy that we weren't involved," said Gerrard, who won the competition with the Reds in 2005."I've been craving it. Everyone is looking forward to hearing that music."

Chelsea have won the Champions League and Manchester United have finished runners-up since Liverpool last appeared in Europe's elite club competition five years ago.

"Watching the likes of Chelsea and Man United in it when we were finishing outside the top four was tough," added Gerrard, who captained his side to second place in the Premier League last season."I'm just glad it's finally here. It's reward for all the hard work last season.

"We need to enjoy it but we're not in it to make the numbers up. We want to do as well as we can."

Five-time European champions Liverpool are in the same group as holders Real Madrid and FC Basel.