The Liverpool FC legend has always been a natural fit in Liverpool
The Liverpool FC legend has always been a natural fit in Liverpool
John Barnes has opened up about why he has always felt at home in Merseyside. The Liverpool FC legend appeared on the latest edition of The Overlap to talk about his life and career.
Barnes was signed by Sir Kenny Dalglish in 1987 and went on to become a key part of one of the Reds best ever sides. The 62-year-old is regarded as one of the greatest players to ever pull on a red shirt and still lives in the region. Barnes was born in Jamaica, but considers himself a Scouser and said his outlook on life is why he has always felt a natural fit in Liverpool.
He said: “It’s really interesting. Football is a working class sport. As much as I’m a middle class boy from uptown Kingston as [Overlap host Ian Wright] reminds me.
“When I played football, I used to play in the inner city as a middle class kid. It’s a socialist sport, there’s no hierarchy in football. You win together, you lose together.
“I’ve always had an affiliation with normal people. When I came north of Birmingham, which happened to be Liverpool, and I’m sure Manchester would be the same, I liked the people.
“Down to earth, normal people. You can’t walk around with any airs and graces. You can’t walk around pretend you’re something your not. That’s why I’ve always said it takes a special character to play for Liverpool.”
Barnes pointed to the team ethic at Liverpool as what made the club such a dominant force, as he said: “They’re the best in the world because it’s about a family, a togetherness and a community as well.”
The former winger stayed at the Reds for 10 years before he left for a brief spell at Newcastle. Barnes recalled an encounter with a member of the public as an example of the Scouse humour he loves so much after his departure was confirmed.
He said: “I remember I was walking around town. I’d just joined Newcastle and, I was walking around Bold Street and this young kid had a pint of lager. He was not even 15. I’m walking by, he goes Barnesy, ‘Give us a rap.’
“I’ve told him my rapping days are over. Under his breath, he took a sip and said, ‘Yeah, your football days are over too.'” Barnes added: “I thought just leave it.”
The Overlap hosts, which also includes Jamie Carragher, Jill Scott, Roy Keane and Gary Neville erupted in hysterics. Sky Sports pundit Neville said: “There’s always a joke.”
The Overlap is available to watch on YouTube now
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