Steven Gerrard says he came "very close" to returning to Rangers last month, but turned down the job because "there were a few things he felt uncertain about".
As the Rangers Review reported, Gerrard withdrew from the process to succeed Russell Martin well over a week before Danny Rohl was appointed as the club's new head coach.
The former manager, who left Ibrox for Aston Villa in November 2021, had flown into London for talks and admits that things felt a bit "rushed" for him personally, with family still residing in Bahrain.
However, Gerrard also suggests that his "heart was 100% there" despite not returning to the role because "there were a few things he felt uncertain about".
"In terms of Rangers, very close," he said. "I had some really positive and interesting talks with the owners.
"I had some really positive and interesting talks with the owners," he told TNT Sports. "But it felt a bit rushed. I had a lot to think about and a short space of time to make a decision.
"There were a few things I was uncertain about. And if I'm going to take a challenge that big and that important - I've got that affection and connection with Rangers - for me to take that on again, it had to be perfect and I had to be 100% ready.
"Unfortunately I wasn't due to the timing, so I stepped aside. They've got a fantastic manager now and I wish them all the best. My heart was 100 per cent there because I have the connection with the club."
The 45-year-old was also asked if he didn't want to work as a 'head coach' in the club's new structure, replying that "the timing wasn't right from a family point of view" but conceding that "you have to do your due diligence in certain things".
"I have to analyse, is it right for me?" Gerrard added. "Is the timing right and are things perfect for me to be the best version of myself in that job? Unfortunately, the timing, it didn't feel right to me.
"I've got that much respect for Rangers that I wouldn't go in there if I was 80-90% ready, but hopefully one day I'll be more ready and more prepared for it and that chance might come again."
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