An all-star charity match will be played at Anfield later this month with some of Europe’s elite players returning to Liverpool for one game only.
Some of the names already confirmed include Luis Suarez and Pepe Reina, who left the Reds last season, and Fernando Torres, who moved to rivals Chelsea in 2011 before joining AC Milan and later Atletico Madrid.
Former fan-favourites Dirk Kuyt and Xabi Alonso will also be returning to Anfield. It’s not just ex-Reds with former Premier League stars Thierry Henry, John Terry and Didier Drogba also set to play.
Outgoing club captain Steve Gerrard will skipper one team, whilst current Sky-pundit and Reds legend Jamie Carragher will captain the other side. Many players took to social media to express their delight at being included in the game set for 29th March.
Luis Garcia, whose name still rings out among the Anfield faithful on match days, said on Instagram: “Happy to be back at Anfield for this amazing game”. Kuyt told the Liverpool Echo that he was “chocked” at having been asked to return.
Current Reds first-team players who are not on international duty will also play some part, as well as some of the Academy’s up-and-coming stars.
This unique charity football match is set to benefit the people of Liverpool having been organised by the Liverpool FC Foundation, the club’s official charity.
Proceeds raised will help to fund the foundation’s community programmes, which benefit thousands of young people and adults throughout the city. Support packages for Claire House, Positive Futures, Centre 56 and Cash for Kids will also be provided from the funds raised.
Clare Corran, founder and CEO of Positive Futures, told JMU Journalism: “We are obviously delighted to be chosen as one of the benefactors of the all-stars match. For some lucky young people they will be able to watch a host of football stars, visit the museum, see the European Cup and even get a new kit. We will also be using the opportunity to raise our profile and encourage others to support local young people.”
Tony Langan, a corporate fundraiser for Claire House Children’s Hospice, told JMU Journalism: “Being involved in an event like this is fantastic for Claire House and raises our profile amongst the thousands of Liverpool fans who will hopefully turn out to see the game.”
Funds will also support Alder Hey’s new Hospital in the Park which is set to open later this year and is a first for the UK.
Tickets have now sold out with managers and the final line-up set to be announced in the coming weeks.