Henderson: Our history is an inspiration, not a burden
Jordan Henderson insists he and his teammates can draw inspiration from Liverpool's history as they aim to add their own names into the club's folklore in this season’s Champions League.
AS Roma visit Anfield this evening for the first leg of a semi-final tie in Europe’s premier cup competition, with Jürgen Klopp’s side aiming to secure an advantage to take to Italy for the return meeting next week.
And, as Liverpool strive to reach a first European Cup final since 2007, Henderson wrote in his notes for ‘This is Anfield’: “That desire to play and do your best for Liverpool can never be allowed to diminish. You are playing for the people of this city and beyond and when you have that honour you also have to take the responsibility that goes with it into every game you play.
“I can assure everyone that this sense of responsibility will be at the forefront of our thoughts tonight. We owe it to everyone – the supporters who back us with an intensity that goes well beyond the call of duty, the legends of the past who make this club what it is, and most of all ourselves – to give everything we can to take Liverpool to another final.
“I’m led to believe that some of the players from the 1984 team will be in attendance as guests of the club and nothing would give me greater pleasure than to captain a Liverpool team which does them proud.
“I know history can sometimes be seen as a burden but what those lads achieved is an inspiration to all of us. We all look up to them and hopefully tonight they will be looking down on us from the stands thinking we are doing justice to the legacy that they created. For that to happen, we will all have to be at our very best.
“We did fantastically well to get past Manchester City, who were deservedly crowned champions last weekend, and we will have to reach similar levels against Roma if we want to reach the Champions League final.
“I read a lot of comments after the semi-final draw saying Roma were the opponents that Liverpool wanted. I can only say that those sentiments were not shared by those of us in the dressing-room. We know all about their quality as a team, and the fact that they eliminated a Barcelona team containing Lionel Messi tells us all we need to know about the challenge we are facing.
“Finally, returning to the theme of Anfield and the supporters: whatever the outcome of this incredibly tough semi-final, we know for certain that tonight is the final home game of this season’s European campaign. On behalf of all the players I would like to say thank you for making this such an amazing home to play at.
“We never take for it for granted and we know whatever lays ahead over these two matches – and whatever awaits the winning team – the Liverpool supporters have again shown why they are part of Europe’s elite and always will be.”
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