Phil Thompson: Liverpool Legend & That One Time I Got to Meet Him


So this photo popped up on Facebook today: Phil Thompson, casually strolling off an Aer Lingus flight in the early 80s, holding the European Cup like it was his grocery shopping. No flex, no Instagram caption, no “#blessed” -- just another Tuesday when you’re captain of Liverpool Football Club.

For those who don’t know (ughh), Thompson was the heart and lungs of Liverpool’s defence back in the day. Seven league titles, three European Cups, and 42 caps for England. He captained Liverpool in Paris in 1981 when they beat Real Madrid -- and then had to go home and explain to his mum why her good vase looked suspiciously like a giant silver trophy.

Now here’s the kicker: I actually got to meet the man. In 2011, I interviewed him for Malaysia Hari Ini (albeit, a very short one). Imagine my nerves -- me, sitting across from a bloke I’d only ever seen on TV shouting at referees and holding European Cups. But Thommo was pure class: funny, generous with his stories, and still talking about Liverpool like he was going to sub himself on in the 60th minute if needed.



Seeing this picture today triggered that memory. It reminded me that football isn’t just about goals and trophies, it’s about those surreal little moments where you, a normal fan, somehow end up face-to-face with one of your heroes. YNWA!


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Dapatkan buku 'Kisah Hidup & Budaya Pop Anak Gen-X' di SINI

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