Aston Villa chief Christian Purslow says sacking Steven Gerrard was a difficult call.

Gerrard was axed and replaced by Unai Emery before Christmas.

"I supported Liverpool," Purslow told Sky Sports. "I was a third generation - my grandparents and my father were from Liverpool and Liverpool fans. And so, like many, many football fans in the country, one grows up as a kid, following in your dad's footsteps.

"Yes, it was [a difficult decision]. It was very tough. He's a very good person I've known for a long time. When I was at Liverpool, he was the captain of the club. But, my priority is Aston Villa, and doing the right thing for our club, and it hadn't worked out.

"Steven would be the first to admit that. You have to do the right thing. The board thought about things. I think we let things ride for a while and then made that tough decision and moved on."