ERIK MEIJER - WHY I LOVE THE REDS
Mark Platt 09 March 2005
Ahead of the Reds' crucial Champions League clash against Bayer Leverkusen, Liverpoolfc.tv catch up with Anfield cult hero Erik Meijer - the only man to have played for both clubs.
It's no secret that Almannia Aachen's Dutch striker is a red hot Liverpudlian and when we recently got in touch he was only too happy to tell us all about the following...
Growing up a Liverpool fan
I've been a Liverpool supporter since I was a small kid. When I first started watching football the only English football I'd ever see on television would be the FA Cup Final and in that period Liverpool always seemed to be in the cup final every year.
Because of this and because Liverpool were always winning, they were my team in England. When I played football with the boys in school I was always one of the Liverpool players.
My favourite player was Rush. As a striker I used to look at how he played. He was a phenomenal goalscorer but also a great defender. He would work very hard for the team and it is these things that I liked about him.
Life before Liverpool
I played for Bayer Leverkusen for three years. We finished second in the Bundesliga one season, third in another and played in the Champions League twice. It was a very successful period and I still retain very good memories of that time.
Signing for Liverpool
It was like a dream come true. I could have signed a new contract with Leverkusen but I wanted to see how far I could get in the game with the qualities I had. When a team like Liverpool shows an interest it doesn't take long to decide and I knew instantly that I wanted to move.
Erik MeijerHighlight of Liverpool career
You could say it was the two goals I scored against Hull City, because they were the only ones I scored in the first team! But for me I think the highlight would be the match I played in against Manchester United. It was a Saturday morning kick-off and all my family was there, including my wife. We drew the match 1-1. I played from the start and it was an amazing game to play in.
Best players played alongside at Liverpool
It would have to be Michael Owen. There were some terrific forward players at the club during my time. As well as Owen there was Robbie Fowler and, a bit later on, Emile Heskey. They were all international players and it proved just howstrong that team was at the time. In fact, during an international week there would only be about two or three players left at Melwood. Unfortunately, I was one of them!
Gerard Houllier
I liked Houllier as a manager. He was always very straight with me and did his job very well. The year I left was the year he won five trophies and that says it all. But, like most managers, after a couple of years he found it hard to keep the same spirit running through the team and it was time for someone else to step in.
Leaving Liverpool
In one way I was sad, because I really enjoyed my time in Liverpool and England. But as a footballer I wanted to play. Sitting on the bench was no good for me - I couldn't get rid of my energy! I was there to play football and I found myself a little bit too far away from the first eleven. I tried everything to change this situation but it was not to be and I had to move on.
Erik MeijerThe Liverpool fans
I don't know why the fans took to me in the way they did. I suppose it's because I am one of them. In my heart I will always be a Liverpool fan. Also, I am an open person and I would always stop to have a talk with supporters when it was necessary. I think the fans respected this.
When I played in Holland I was used to playing front of small crowds but in England there would be a full house in every stadium. It always lifts you when you hear the crowd chanting your name and that enables you to give that little bit extra. I wanted to give these fans something back and that's why I'd always fight right until the last minute every time I played for Liverpool
My relationship with the Liverpool fans was really something special and I'll never forget my time at the club.
Altermarket, Dortmund 2001
Yes, I was there. I'd just ripped the ligaments in my ankle and I was there with my girlfriend and two friends. We went along to the market place where all the fans had gathered. After a few beers some of thefans recognised me and we had a great afternoon. Everyone was singing and having a lot of fun. It was a very nice experience.
The combination of that afternoon and the match that followed in the evening made it an unforgettable occasion. The football played was awesome and to win the game 5-4 just capped it all.
The current Liverpool team
Things have certainly changed. Where there were a lot of French players at the club during my time, now there is a lot of Spanish players coming in. What hasn't changed is the desire for success and the title remains the one honour that everyone at the club craves so much.
Steven Gerrard
I saw Gerrard grow up. He was just a youngster when I was at the club but now he is the complete player on the pitch and he's leading the team forward.
Erik Meijer
Life after Liverpool
I went to Hamburg and was there for two and a half years. It was a very nice time in my career. I then joined Almannia Aachen, who I am still playing for, and even though I'm playing football in Germany, I am back home again because it is only 20 minutes from the Dutch border, so I can commute.
I'm still enjoying my football, especially this season with us enjoying a good run in the UEFA Cup. That is something I thought had passed me by it's unusual for a club from the 2nd Bundesliga to be involved in European competition.
Erik's message to the Liverpool fans
I still haven't forgot that afternoon and evening in Dortmund and I hope to see you all soon. Liverpool Football Club will always have a special place in my heart. Unfortunately, I haven't been back to Anfield since I left but once I eventually hang up my boots I hope to come over and see some matches.
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what a top man!
