THE amount raised by Jamie Carragher’s testimonial proves his status in the game.

Not just at Liverpool Football Club but in the city and Merseyside as a whole.

Not just as a player but as person as well.

He is a genuine human being and a great ambassador. I know testimonials don’t mean as much to players these days, but when someone can do so much for charity it proves their influence.

It’s proven by the fact that Steven Gerrard did whatever it took to take a break from international duty and make an appearance for his pal.

And by the fact that Michael Owen was more concerned with helping Jamie than worrying about what abuse he might get by going back to Anfield.

You have to applaud those guys and everyone else who turned up – but it’s Carragher who deserves the real plaudits.

At a time when footballers are being called into question more than ever for their behaviour and attitude, it was great to see a genuinely good person in the headlines.

At 32, Carragher does of course have some years left at Anfield yet, but I was interested to read last week his comments that the thing he will be most proud of when he retires is the fact that he played for Liverpool and nobody else.