‘I was born and raised in Manchester but started crying when Liverpool wanted me’
His birthplace is one of Liverpool’s fiercest rivals, yet one former prodigy chose to ignore the partisanship and turn out for the Merseysiders at Anfield
Most football fans born in Manchester are mostly attributed red for United or blue for City.
However, one former prodigy chose to ignore both of the city’s Premier League giants when Liverpool came calling. Nathan Eccleston was one of the few players to relish his time playing under Roy Hodgson at Anfield.
During the former England manager’s doomed seven month spell at Liverpool, Eccleston was given many chances to shine under Hodgson. However, while the now 33-year-old appreciates every opportunity he was given, his fondest memory was the day he signed for the club.
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“As you can imagine, being a 15-year-old lad from Manchester, when Liverpool are the ones that are calling you it comes as a bit of a surprise initially,” Eccleston said to the Liverpool Echo. “Then the overwhelming feeling of Liverpool being interested in me and wanting me to come down and trial hit – I literally just started crying.
“I knew what a great opportunity it could be for a lad like myself to go and present my skills to a club like Liverpool. That summer Liverpool had just won the Champions League, and whether you were a die-hard Liverpool fan or not, everyone in the world of football was a Liverpool fan that night because of how historic Istanbul was.”
Eccleston made nine appearances for the Reds in all competitions. While Rafa Benitez handed him his debut, it was Hodgson who gave him many opportunities to impress in the first team.
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Cody Gakpo and Ryan Gravenberch react to news coming out of Liverpool yesterday
Liverpool received some great news yesterday as Alexis Mac Allister returned to full training following his injury, and Cody Gakpo and Ryan Gravenberch showed him some love on Instagram.
Jurgen Klopp‘s side are on top of the Premier League table. They have had a great season so far and are definitely one of the favourites to win the title. The news of Mac Allister’s return is now an added boost.
Cody Gakpo and Ryan Gravenberch react as Alexis Mac Allister returns to Liverpool training
Liverpool signed Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton and Hove Albion in the summer.
The Argentine had a great start to life under Jurgen Klopp, and even though he came under a little bit of criticism for his performances in an unnatural number six role, he should be happy with how he has fared.
Mac Allister, sadly, suffered a painful injury in the game against Sheffield United at the start of this month. He needed stitches at half-time in that game and was later withdrawn as he couldn’t continue.
The midfielder hasn’t played for the Reds since, but there’s finally some good news.
Mac Allister returned to training yesterday, and it looks like he is in contention to be in the squad for the game against Newcastle United on Monday.
JOURNALIST: “LIVERPOOL HAVE A CHANCE WITH MBAPPE”
REAL MADRID’S COURTING OF KYLIAN MBAPPE
Real Madrid, with their illustrious history and deep pockets, have long been admirers of Kylian Mbappe. The Spanish titans made waves with a substantial £171 million bid for the French sensation in 2021. Despite Paris Saint-Germain’s resistance and Mbappe’s subsequent renewed contract, whispers of a free transfer to Madrid persist. With Carlo Ancelotti at the helm, Madrid is poised to integrate Mbappe as the linchpin of a youthful, vibrant squad.
LIVERPOOL’S PURSUIT AND PREMIER LEAGUE PROSPECTS
Liverpool, under the astute guidance of Jurgen Klopp, has been consistent in their pursuit of Mbappe. The Reds, eyeing a successor for Mohamed Salah, see Mbappe as the ideal spearhead for their formidable 4-3-3 formation. The allure of the Premier League and the prospect of being the focal point at Anfield could sway Mbappe’s decision.
“Liverpool wanted him when he was playing for Monaco,” L’Equipe journalist Loic Tanzi told talkSPORT. [Liverpool manager Jurgen] Klopp went to see him and they were negotiating while they were on the plane. The relationship between him, Liverpool, and Klopp is there. I think they have a chance.”
THE PARISIAN DILEMMA: STAYING AT PSG
Despite the allure of new horizons, the comforts of home and the status of being PSG’s talisman might persuade Mbappe to continue his legacy in Paris. With the club’s financial prowess and his established rapport with the city and fans, the decision to stay might not be as straightforward as it seems.
THE ALLURE OF THE SAUDI LEAGUE
Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal made headlines with a staggering £257 million offer for Mbappe. While he initially declined, the Saudi Pro League’s aggressive recruitment of global stars suggests a persistent interest in Mbappe, potentially reshaping his career trajectory.
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