Gerrard enjoys winning return to Anfield
LIVERPOOL – It could only have ever been one man to put the Anfield crowd on their feet yesterday.
In a charity game featuring icons from various eras from both Liverpool and Celtic, Steven Gerrard was the man most fans were there to see.
But it came so close to not happening.
Gerrard, who had been in Italy for England’s EURO qualifier tie this past Thursday, had returned to the UK suffering with a chest infection that had left him bedridden and unable to properly prepare.
But as he noted in a pre-match interview, the 42-year-old was there to lead his side out as he had done so many times in the past and vowed to do ‘whatever Kenny needs me for.’
“To be honest, I haven’t been too great. I haven’t been feeling well, normally I would do a few days in the gym, keep myself in shape.
FEELING MYSELF
“My preparation for this game, I have to be honest, has been a disgrace. I haven’t been feeling myself, I’ve had a bit of a chest infection but once the game gets going I will be there for whatever Kenny needs me for.”
With a host of recognisable names turning out for both sides, the game was played with all proceeds raised being donated to the LFC Foundation and other charities.
And after the conclusion of the pre-match festivities, which included a performance from Liverpool singer-songwriter Jamie Webster, the more than 40 000 fans in attendance were treated to an entertaining start, with Charlie Adam in particular controlling the game from the centre of the hosts midfield.
The midfielder, who spent his formative years at Celtic’s Glasgow rivals, was treated to some good-natured mocking from the visiting fans, with former Rangers boss Gerrard joining him to playfully gesture back during an early free kick.
As is so often the case with these types of games, the younger players carried much of the running while providing opportunities for their older colleagues to influence with experience.