Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard played down the significance of a standing ovation given to him by Chelsea fans. The midfielder scored in a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. “I was more happy with the ovation from the Liverpool fans,” said Gerrard. “Chelsea fans have had respect for a couple of seconds today but have slaughtered me all game. “I’m not going to get drawn into wishing Chelsea fans well. It was nice of them to turn up for once today.” Speaking to BBC Sport, Gerrard added: “It was a nice touch. I know they’ve absolutely murdered me for years because I never signed here. I’ve had great support from the Liverpool fans – that’s all that matters to me.” Gerrard, 34, has been the focus of chants from Blues fans for a number of years. Chelsea tried to sign the former England captain on three different occasions, while last season Gerrard famously slipped to allow Chelsea to score and put Manchester City on course for the Premier League title at the expense of Liverpool. When asked about current Blues boss Jose Mourinho, Gerrard said: “I have huge respect for him. He’s the best manager in the world. I would have signed for him on three occasions if I wasn’t such a big Liverpool fan. “He’s the reason my head was turned on a couple of occasions but he knew why I couldn’t do it, because I love Liverpool Football Club. It always means more when you win for your people.” Mourinho reciprocated the respect for Gerrard, saying the midfielder has been a “special” player as he prepares to exit the Premier League for Major League Soccer side LA Galaxy in the United States. “I’m so happy with the ovation,” said Mourinho. “The negative song Chelsea fans sing for him is respect for an old, dear enemy that fought so much against us in every competition. “After that, the standing applause is amazing. To get it at Anfield, he gets it week-in week-out, year after year, but away from home it shows a lot. “Moments like that and when Crystal Palace come here and fight and win, Burnley fight like lions, us losing at home to a League One team in Bradford, moments like that make this country special.”