Saturday, August 3, 2013

Liverpool vs Olympiakos



Liverpool face Olympiakos at Anfield on Saturday in a testimonial for Steven Gerrard. The Greeks were invited because it was against them that the England international scored one of the most stunning and important goals of his career - in a Champions League tie (see video at foot of article).


The Anfield faithful will turn out in force to honour club captain Gerrard. The 33-year-old has ensured his name will rank among the greatest players to have represented the club, after a career spanning over 600 appearances and including the now legendary Champions League triumph in 2005, when he inspired a comeback against Italian giants AC Milan.
His performances in Europe that year also included that sensational last-minute goal against Olympiakos, which completed a win from 0-1 down to 3-1 at the final whistle.
Former Liverpool stars including Robbie Fowler and Jamie Carragher will also take to the pitch.
"When I was growing up and at the centre of excellence - now called the Academy - I was on year-by-year contracts. I never thought I was going to play for the first team; not until probably the age of 16 or 17. To be sitting here now as captain - it is mind-blowing," Gerrard told the club's website.
"People talk about my loyalty towards the club, but I certainly appreciate the loyalty that the club show me back - offering me a testimonial shows that," he concluded.
Meanwhile, Olympiakos are unlikely to take this game lightly; Brendan Rodgers and Gerrard will have a fight on their hands. The visitors are preparing for the start of the Greek Super League and have only a few more friendlies to help get into shape.
New signings Javier Saviola, who transferred from Malaga, and Joel Campbell, on loan from Arsenal, will be on show as they look to cement a place in the first team.

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