JAMIE Carragher made his 700th appearance for Liverpool against FC Gomel in Belarus last week.
It was the latest professional land-mark for the Bootle-born defender and a further illustration of how this one-club man has carved out a wonderful career at Liverpool.
I was at Anfield on the day he made his first senior start for the Reds in 1997. He marked that game, against Aston Villa, with a headed goal at the Kop end. Little did we know then he would still be playing some 15 years later with such tenacity and determination.
Although we had witnessed one of only three league goals he has ever scored in that time!
Carragher has been a manager’s dream player, and the Liverpool fans too have taken him firmly to their hearts. He has been a consistent factor in Liverpool’s good days and shown his strength of character on the odd bad one.
He has also developed in to a fully-rounded individual, a family man with a generous spirit. His work for local charities is well recognised.
He was also outstanding during the summer when working for ITV as a pundit on Euro 2012 – and I rang him to tell him so.
Of course, at some stage Carra’s playing career will draw to a close – but whichever path he chooses to follow after hanging up his boots, I am sure he will attack it with the same level of dedication and attitude he has playing at the back for the Reds.
A top man.
