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The 19th of May, 2013 will mark a fairly important day in the history books of Liverpool. It will probably be the the last time that long-serving Red Jamie Carragher walks out to Anfield decked in a Liverpool shirt.
The Liverpool legends together with the UEFA Cup, 2000-2001
Carragher graduated from the Liverpool academy, alongside probably the best batch of players, with Steve McManaman, Michael Owen, Robbie Fowler and Steven Gerrard being the most prominent ones. However, he and Steven Gerrard remain the only players to remain loyal to their clubs despite facing the current downfall. Jamie Carragher grew up supporting the team from the blue half of Merseyside, just like Gerrard, but eventually ended up playing for the Reds. Such was his impact, that Carragher not only broke into the first team of Liverpool, but also into the England national team, which would ensure that he featured in the 1998 FIFA World Cup. Comparisons are generally drawn between Carragher and the likes of Steven Gerrard, Ryan Giggs and so on, since he is one of the very few ‘One Club Men’ in modern day football.
Despite being a childhood Everton fan, joining Liverpool would prove to be one of the best decisions made by Carragher. Like many other players, Carragher had a slow start to life at Anfield. Being a member of a squad filled with internationals, Carragher was deployed at right back for most of the matches until the arrival of Rafael Benitez. He was made vice-captain after that, and moved into his favorite center-back position, which only increased his confidence.
Jamie Carragher will however be remembered for his role in the UEFA Champions League victory in 2005 over an A.C Milan side brimming with internationals. He played through the whole 120 minutes, and was a colossus in the back line, where he held fort with Sami Hyypia. Despite suffering from an acute cramp, Carragher mustered the courage required to help his side come back after going three down.
The price of loyalty was learnt the hard way, especially for Carragher, when he was confined to bench following the arrival of Martin Skrtel. However, he saw this as an opportunity to groom the youngsters coming through the ranks. Especially during the managerial period of Kenny Dalglish, he was deployed at center-back, with the likes of Martin Kelly and John Flanagan at right back. Dalglish too attested to the fact that the youngsters’ performances improved when he was present at center-back, which showed how much he was idolized by the youth academy’s players.
Despite having a terrific club record, Jamie Carragher did not have as much success playing for England. Despite being a young recruit for Kevin Keegan in 1996, he made many cameo appearances, as he was always beaten to the first team by Rio Ferdinand and John Terry. To make matters worse, he had his penalty saved by Portugese keeper Ricardo in England’s ill-fated 2006 FIFA World Cup campaign.
Carragher made his 700th appearance under current manager Brendan Rodgers, making him a part of the exclusive club of players to have reached the landmark.
Similar to a majority of footballers, Carragher too has found himself in the midst of media frenzy for the wrong reasons. Most of these controversies however, started as his form started to dip and he started to lose his place in the side. The most prominent of these controversies include leaked material of his autobiography “Carra” to the media prior to its release. He earned one of his very few red cards when he threw a coin back at a spectator, an infamous incident that will never be forgotten. He has been at the receiving end of heavy criticism for his reckless tackling, though most of them have been 50-50 challenges. He had a Mario Balotelli moment during practice when he made a reckless challenge on Rigobert Song, one of his most hated teammates.
“‘The first chance I got, I did him. Never have I hunted down a 50–50 tackle with greater appetite. ‘You’re not f****** laughing now, are you, you soft c***?’ I said as he hobbled away.” - Jamie Carragher
In recent times, he has been confined to the bench for many a match. However, being a senior player, he provides invaluable advice to the upcoming players such as Andre Wisdom and Raheem Sterling. On February 7th, 2013, Carragher said that he would be putting an end to his illustrious career at the end of the season. Despite his decision to retire, it will be up to Liverpool to use him to the fullest till the end of the season.
His legacy has been the center of appreciation since his decision to hang up his boots come the summer. His outstanding performances, and his character and personality both on and off the pitch, has prompted some of the biggest names in football to say:
“Jamie has been absolutely outstanding for me since I joined the club. He has been a model professional on and off the pitch and has shown an unswerving commitment to our work.” - Brendan Rodgers
“What a servant Carra has been for Liverpool. A rare breed. It’s been a privilege to play alongside, room with and be big mates with one of football’s real men. I doubt we have heard the last of him. He has too much to offer the game to be away for long!” - Michael Owen
“Jamie Carragher has been a great servant to Liverpool. Great player and a top fella! Funny guy! Nutter when we were kids but management material now.” - Rio Ferdinand
“Jamie Carragher will hang up his boots at the end of the season. Those boots were worn by a player respected by everyone in the game.” - Gary Lineker
“Just read the Carra statement. Let’s enjoy a few more months with him before he retires. It is amazing what he has done for LFC.” - Lucas Leiva
The modern day Carragher, with the captain’s armband
Many would argue that Steven Gerrard deserves to be the pride of Liverpool, but what they do tend to forget is that strikers and midfielders win matches, but defenders win championships, and Jamie Carragher did justice to that statement in the 2004-05 season, when Liverpool created history by winning the Champions League.
“One club, one top professional. Well done Jamie Carragher on a great career!” - Michael Gray
