Jamie Carragher

[Kenneth]

Luis Garcia

you could tell he really enjoyed playing football.

[Fosterbloke]

After reading such a beautifully penned letter by such a great player, it pains me to think we replaced that period with H&G, Hodgson and players like Cole and Adam. Sorry Luis.

[Marina]

Some great memories. He was a classy and likable player. Neville's remarks are surprising and a bit inexplicable really.

[Pablo]

Some great memories. He was a classy and likable player. Neville's remarks are surprising and a bit inexplicable really.

Easily explainable. He let his mask slip for a second and his hatred for all things LFC clouded his judgment. He's become a good pundit, but he still likes to stick the knife in from time to time .

I'm pretty sure Carra will give as good as he gets though . It should be good to watch!

[Gibbo]

Did Carra respond to the comment when he made it?

[Vermilion]

Carra Mail fail!

Maybe he'll add a bit of quality to the rag. will he even write it anyway.

Just heard him announced as joining the Mail for a staurday column.

[Tee]

Did Carra respond to the comment when he made it?

I think he told him to hang on with that and that he will be getting a text from Luis after the show. I am sure someone can be more accurate with what he said then me though.

[Arn]

Why Suarez is too good for Liverpool (and Arsenal)… and check out my retirement gift from Magic Messi

By Jamie Carragher

Luis Suarez is too good for Liverpool. He is one of the top players in the world, whereas Liverpool were only the seventh best team in England last season.

His talents are greater than the stage on which he plays. Not only does he deserve to play in the Champions League, he should be winning it.

Luis Suarez is also too good for Arsenal. In recent years, they haven’t challenged for trophies; they have not made an impact in the Champions League and they are no closer to winning the Premier League.

If Barcelona, Real Madrid or Bayern Munich wanted him, I would wish Luis all the luck in the world and staunchly defend him. That is his level; teams who have a great chance of winning the Champions League. That’s why I'm so puzzled by his determination to leave for the Emirates.

Liverpool have taken a firm line throughout this impasse and John W Henry was emphatic when saying Suarez will not be sold to the club's main rivals for fourth spot. Henry should be applauded by everyone in football for this stance.

I do, though, have a growing sense of unease over how much Suarez has become unsettled. I took part in a training session at Melwood before Steven Gerrard's testimonial last Saturday and I was alarmed by the Luis Suarez with whom I was sharing a pitch.

From his first day at Liverpool, I had been used to seeing a warrior who loved his football and charged around with great enthusiasm. Every day his skill would blow you away. Remember the 50-yard chipped goal at Norwich in April 2012? We saw him do that at Melwood long before. What impressed me most was his attitude. Training was as important as a game. He would leave nothing behind, competing for every ball as if his life depended on it.

On this occasion, however, his attitude was completely different. He didn’t want the ball and had no interest in getting involved. He stood on the periphery, with shoulders slumped.

It didn’t surprise me that Brendan Rodgers has made him train on his own. I never thought Luis would down tools in the way Fernando Torres did when he wanted to leave Liverpool — his attitude over the final 18 months became progressively worse — but now Suarez has given me reason to think again.

To see it come to this is very dispiriting. A lot of good people have stood by Luis since he joined the club. Rodgers and Kenny Dalglish could not have done more for him. In the darkest times, we wore T-shirts to show we were standing alongside him, even if it was ill-advised.

So it is laughable to hear he is unhappy with Liverpool for not letting him join Arsenal. He has been saying a bid of more than £40million would trigger his release. As he is still at Anfield, we can safely say no such clause exists in his contract.

If Suarez were to leave Liverpool for anyone other than Europe’s three most eminent clubs, it would be a mistake. Wayne Rooney also would be making a mistake if he tried to force through a move from Manchester United.

Sometimes players would do well to look at the bigger picture. I can understand if Wayne has been seduced by the idea of becoming Jose Mourinho’s main man, but he could achieve so much more at Old Trafford.

He has the chance to set records that will stand the test of time. Rooney has 197 goals. With a couple of good seasons, he could overtake Denis Law (237) and then Sir Bobby Charlton (249). That would be a phenomenal feat.

What is more important to these players? Achieving legendary status at their clubs — both are blessed with the talent to do so — or moving on a whim, leaving under a cloud and never being able to return to the clubs where they had once given such joy?

I would love Wayne to show how good he is this season, to show he is one of the most feared players in Europe. He has won all the trophies you could wish for, it is about him cementing his legacy.

He left Everton under a cloud in 2004, he doesn’t want to leave United in the same way.

Suarez and Rooney have their reasons for wanting to move but I do not agree with them. The most important thing for a player is to have his career seen in the right light. Suarez needs to give Liverpool one more year.

Both players should get back to what they do best — and give the clubs who have provided them with a platform to become world stars the respect and loyalty they deserve.

Why 'fit' players drop out injured for England

England meet Scotland for the first time since 1999 on Wednesday. Strip away the romance and you will see one thing: the timing of this game is dreadful.

Roy Hodgson has complained, with some merit, about big fixtures such as Liverpool versus Manchester United and the north London derby jeopardising his preparations for the World Cup qualifiers against Moldova and Ukraine.

But his argument would have more strength without this match. It is ridiculous that Premier League clubs lose key players when preparations for the new campaign should be at their most intense.

As a former club manager, Hodgson will recognise this.

Ironically, the England players face the fewest problems. Manchester City’s Jesus Navas, David Silva and Alvaro Negredo and Chelsea’s Cesar Azpilicueta will have to travel back from Ecuador with Spain.

How fresh will they be following a 12-hour, 5,719-mile flight?

This friendly, before the start of the season, has always been a bane for players. During my time at Liverpool, I could guarantee three or four lads would — with a nudge from the manager — tell their countries they were injured when they were fully fit. I bet the same thing goes on at other clubs.

I understand the history surrounding England and Scotland but what will England really learn from this match? There will be lots of changes, Scotland’s style and system is different from that of Ukraine and those who play will be looking after themselves.

Hodgson's fixtures frustration is clear but he will only get sympathy when this particular round of international games is abolished.

FIVE THINGS... that have made my summer special

1. RECEIVING A SIGNED SHIRT FROM MESSI I haven't kept many shirts but this one is taking pride of place. When a friend of mine asked Lionel to sign it, he asked who it was for.

He wrote a kind message on it which says 'Para (For) Jamie. All the best in your retirement.' I played against him twice, back in February 2007, I'm still in shock he remembers who I am!









2. WATCHING THE BRITISH AND IRISH LIONS I wouldn’t regard myself as a rugby union enthusiast but I was blown away by the intensity of the three Test matches against Australia. It is now an ambition of mine to go and see the Lions play on a future tour. Football could never replicate what the Lions have.

3. COMING OUT OF RETIREMENT I can safely say that last Saturday was the final time you will see me in a Liverpool shirt. I felt a bit awkward playing in Steven Gerrard's testimonial as it was only a couple of months ago that I was given a send-off. It was nice to see some old faces but Steven is the only person for whom I would do that.



4. READING CRAIG BELLAMY'S BOOK I have read a lot of autobiographies but my holiday read this summer was right up there with my favourites, by Paul McGrath and Roy Keane. It is everything you could want from a book; insightful, articulate and, at times, absolutely hilarious.

5. BEING BLOWN AWAY BY ROBERT PIRES I was invited to play in a Champions League legends game at the Olympic Park and it was a pleasure to share a pitch with players like Zola, Cafu and Figo. The standout performer, though, was Robert Pires. He was incredible and looks no different to when he was causing havoc on the wings for Arsenal’s 'Invincibles'.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/foo...Carragher.html

[Chazza]

Exclusive: Rodgers was ‘brave’ to send Reina out on loan says Carragher
15 Aug 2013 07:45
Liverpool legend on Reina deal and his new role as a Sky Sports pundit

Jamie Carragher says Liverpool FC boss Brendan Rodgers has made a ‘brave decision’ by ditching Pepe Reina in favour of Simon Mignolet .

The £9million signing of the Belgian goalkeeper from Sunderland this summer was followed by Reina’s exit on a season-long loan to Napoli.

“It’s a brave decision by the manager and I admire it really,” Carragher said.

“Pepe had been part of the furniture for a long time but the manager has come in and thought it was a position that he could improve on. He thought he could buy someone better than what he already had.

“Mignolet has been a top keeper for Sunderland over the past few years. He has great size and speaking to some of the lads, they have been very impressed by him so far.”

Carragher trained with Mignolet at Melwood recently before Steven Gerrard’s testimonial.

“During shooting practise he’s like a monster in the goal,” he added.

“Playing for Liverpool will be slightly different to what he experienced at Sunderland. There will probably be less to do, more concentration needed and a bit more pressure.

“There will be things he’s not had to deal with before but in terms of his ability it’s all there.”

Carragher has also hailed the acquisition of Kolo Toure as his Anfield replacement. The Ivorian centre-back arrived on a free transfer from Manchester City.

He said: “I’ve had a couple of chats with Kolo and he’s one of the nicest people you could ever meet.

“He’s a great character and has huge enthusiasm for the game. He also has a lot of experience at big clubs and of winning trophies.

“Before Steven Gerrard’s testimonial he was getting all the lads going in the dressing room. He didn’t cost a penny and is a great acquisition.”

‘I’ll have to talk slower’ – Carragher on starting his Sky career

It's the start of a new chapter in Jamie Carragher’s life.

After bringing down the curtain on his 16-year Anfield career, the Kop legend has been getting to grips with a different challenge as an analyst for Sky Sports.

“I haven’t missed playing so far but I’m sure I will when the lads go out to face Stoke on Saturday,” he said.

“But I’ve had my time and I know I made the right decision to retire. I’m lucky to have got a great role and I’m just glad I’ve got something to focus on rather than keep thinking back. I’m excited about all the different games I’ll be covering.”

On Monday nights from now on he will have ex-Manchester United defender Gary Neville for company in the studio as they dissect the weekend’s action. They are unlikely bed-fellows but Carragher is looking forward to working alongside him.

“It’s a great show as it’s a bit more in depth, analysing different things and that’s what I really enjoy about the game,” he added.

“Why is a manager doing this? Why is a team playing like that? Why was that goal scored? You are actually looking at things in more detail.

“As players Gary and I were at clubs who were big rivals. We went to World Cups and played for England together but he was never really in my circle of friends.

“We are both passionate about our own clubs but more importantly we’re both passionate about the game. No-one will be looking for any trouble!

“We both spent our entire careers at one club and I’m sure there will be plenty we agree on. There isn’t right or wrong when it comes to opinions.”

Carragher’s son has been helping him get accustomed to the broadcaster’s high-tech gadgets.

“I’ve been practising with the machine they installed at my house over the summer with James pretending to be (presenter) Ed Chamberlin,” he said.

“It’s something I have never done before but I think I’ve got the hang of it now and should be up to speed.

“I had a spell as a pundit during the Euros in 2012 and really enjoyed it. I’d be watching the games at home this season anyway so to do it for Sky is a great way for me to stay involved in the game.

“It’s difficult for players now when they stop playing to decide what to do. You retire from football but I still class myself as a young lad.

“I just love my football and enjoy talking about the game. I’ll just be myself and try to talk a bit slower!”

Carragher insists there will be no special treatment for Brendan Rodgers’ side as he runs the rule over his old club’s performances.

“I think I’ve always been pretty honest over the years when I’ve been talking about Liverpool in interviews whether we’ve been doing well or not,” he said.

“Liverpool are still my team and I won’t try to hide that. I want to see the club do well and if they do it will make my job a bit easier.

“I’m sure I’ll get frustrated if they aren’t doing well and that might come out on camera. I might be bit more harsh as my passion for the club comes out.

“It doesn’t bother me whether it’s difficult to say because Sky is my team now. I have to do my job and play well for them if you like.”

Sky Sports kicks off its biggest ever football season with 116 Premier League matches, including every club twice before December and all matches between last season’s top four. www.skysports.com/football.

http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/brendan-rodgers-brave-send-pepe-5730612

[paulc]

Found that header I was referring to earlier:

http://youtu.be/1i6JLjNHEq4

Wow!

Bag of nothing?

i was in the KOP that night

great goal

[Chazza]

TheSPORTBible @TSBible
Gary Neville's face when Carragher said "Gerrard and Lampard are better than Scholes" is priceless pic.twitter.com/kdWaQRk3SH

[Stanbull]

Last night he said right backs were either failed wingers or failed centre halves, he then looked at Neville and said nobody wants to be a Garry Neville when they grow up do they?

Classic Carra

[Tee]

They are having some decent banter aren't they? And what about Carra saying he just gave up talking to Enrique on the pitch.

[meffin]

Last night he said right backs were either failed wingers or failed centre halves, he then looked at Neville and said nobody wants to be a Garry Neville when they grow up do they?

Classic Carra

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUiS0FScn-4&feature=share"]Jamie Carragher Says "No One Wants To Grow Up & Be A Gary Neville" To Gary Neville - YouTube[/ame]

[Ams12]

Ahahaaa Carra loved when he was talking about Moses' goal then just said "i dont care...it went in" 😜