Litmanen: Liverpool FC is my club, I grew up with them and played for them
Jari Litmanen, the former professional football player, has expressed his deep connection to Liverpool FC, stating that the club is “his club” and that he grew up supporting them. Litmanen had the privilege of playing for both Liverpool and Ajax during his career, but he holds a special place in his heart for the Reds. This sentiment was evident as he participated in the recent Legends match at Anfield, proudly wearing both the Ajax and Liverpool shirts.
During his time at Liverpool from 2001 to 2002, Litmanen fulfilled a lifelong dream. As a fan of Liverpool’s successful teams in the 1970s and ’80s, he was captivated by their style of play and was overjoyed to don the famous Liverbird emblem. Despite being plagued by injuries, Litmanen made 43 appearances for the club, adding to his already impressive career. Returning to Anfield for the Legends match allowed him to add another memorable experience to his list.
In an interview with This Is Anfield, Litmanen reflected on his time at both Liverpool and Ajax. He acknowledged that Ajax was where he spent most of his playing years and experienced the most success. However, he emphasized that Liverpool holds a special place in his heart. Growing up as a fan of the club, he felt a strong connection to Liverpool, and having the opportunity to play for them was a dream come true.
During the Legends match, Litmanen had the chance to reunite with former teammates and legends of Liverpool. The dressing room was filled with familiar faces, such as John Aldridge, Ian Rush, John Barnes, and Sven-Goran Eriksson. This reunion brought back fond memories and added to the overall enjoyment of the experience.
Although it has been a decade since Litmanen last played at Anfield in a charity match, his love for Liverpool has not waned. He has been closely following the team’s progress this season and expressed his belief that they have a strong chance of winning silverware. However, he also acknowledged the competitiveness of the Premier League, where the margin between the top teams is incredibly narrow. Litmanen believes that Liverpool has the quality to be number one but understands that anything can happen in top-level football.
In conclusion, Jari Litmanen’s recent appearance at Anfield for the Legends match showcased his deep connection to Liverpool FC. Despite playing for both Liverpool and Ajax during his career, he considers Liverpool to be “his club.” Litmanen’s childhood support for the Reds and his dream of playing for them became a reality, and he cherishes the memories from that time. His reunion with former teammates and legends further solidified his love for the club. As he continues to follow Liverpool’s progress, Litmanen believes they have a strong chance of winning trophies this season, but he acknowledges the fierce competition in the Premier League.