PICTURES: Superstar line-up at Anfield for charity game
Current and former Liverpool stars and a number of former Premier League opponents took to the field in Anfield yesterday for an All Star charity game.
Organised by the Liverpool Foundation and billed as Carragher’s XI v. Gerrard’s XI - the game was a chance for many former team-mates and foes to say goodbye to club captain Steven Gerrard before he leaves for the MLS in the summer.
The match played out in front of a huge crowd at Anfield yesterday afternoon, with both Jamie Carragher and Gerrard having a wealth of talent at their disposal.
A reminder of today's two #LFCAllStars teams in full... pic.twitter.com/6TsbckAgSr
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) March 29, 2015
It was current Reds star Mario Balotelli who opened the scoring with a lovely long-range strike that Liverpool fans would love to see him reproduce in a competitive game.
Didier Drogba doubled the lead for the Carragher XI, but penalties either side of half-time were converted by the man of the moment to make the final score 2-2.
The charity game finished 2-2 today & I told the ref to not be star struck by Stevie's team it didn't work he gave them 2 pens!! #Robbed
— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) March 29, 2015
Former Arsenal star Thierry Henry, who played against Gerrard for both club and country, showed he’s still got it with a lovely feint to set Ryan Babel up for a shot on goal.
But the match was always going to be about much more than the football - with many of the players expressing their delight at taking part on social media.
Unbelievable to be back at Anfield and surrounded by great players... Here a picture with the greatest one!! pic.twitter.com/IGkFlY1Oge
— Luis Suárez (@LuisSuarez9) March 29, 2015
Very happy being with a big part of @LFC's History. Great Gerrard! pic.twitter.com/ETqbBzwtMu
— Fernando Torres (@Torres) March 29, 2015
My Liverpool Family. pic.twitter.com/kOTXG8dq6v
— Xabi Alonso (@XabiAlonso) March 29, 2015
There was praise in plenty for Gerrard, and also for the Liverpool fans who welcomed former stars with songs and standing ovations.
A message to #LFC fans from @JARiiseOfficial: "I'm very grateful & honoured by your support." http://t.co/skg3lLRZcS pic.twitter.com/V1tzXcFc1B
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) March 30, 2015
THANKS to Liverpool!! you'll always have a piece of my heart ..Proud to have represented you during 8 years! #YNWA pic.twitter.com/5LshyUUxag
— Pepe Reina (@PReina25) March 29, 2015
"What can I say? I love them!" - @LuchoGarcia14 on his relationship with #LFC fans http://t.co/HVusdiDhm3 pic.twitter.com/xS4cm84NB7
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) March 30, 2015
