Why Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher was spotted receiving rare award on Tuesday
Jamie Carragher is a name that is synonymous with Liverpool.
Carragher spent his entire career at Anfield, becoming the Reds’ second-highest appearance maker of all-time, behind only Ian Callaghan.
The Bootle-born defender made 737 appearances for the Merseysiders, winning the 2005 Champions League in a historic Liverpool comeback and multiple domestic trophies, but the Premier League title always eluded him.
Carragher is often outspoken about issues surrounding Liverpool in his role as a pundit and commentator with Sky Sports.
Jamie Carragher picks up rare award from Athletic Bilbao
Carragher was named as the latest recipient of Athletic Bilbao’s award for being a one-club man.
The Reds legend picked up the accolade at a ceremony at a packed-out San Mames Stadium, at half-time of the 1-1 draw with Girona on Tuesday, 23 September.
Carragher is the first Anfield star to receive the award, and becomes the second Englishman, after Matt Le Tissier to be honoured by the Spanish club.
Why do Athletic Bilbao give out the one-club man award?
Athletic are known for their policy of only recruiting players from the Basque region of Spain, where they are based.
They believe in the principle of loyalty, sticking with one club, throughout the highs and the lows of football.
The award was founded in 2015, to recognise players who have dedicated their whole career to one club, rather than seeking a move elsewhere.
- Le Tissier was the maiden winner in 2015
- Former Manchester United ace Ryan Giggs was honoured with the 2020 award
- Other notable names to win it include Carles Puyol and Paolo Maldini
Why did Athletic Bilbao pick Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher?
The Basque club decided to recognise Carragher after his remarkable loyalty to the L4 outfit, through the difficult times.
Igor San Roman, a Board of Directors member with the La Liga outfit, revealed the reason why the Reds icon had been picked for this year’s edition of the award.
He said: “Athletic Club cannot be understood without understanding our values.
“Since 1898, this club has championed a model that is unique in the world. This award reflects who we are.
“Jamie 100 per cent embodies the values and principles on which the award is based and which we have managed to promote over the course of our 127-year history: loyalty to a club, loyalty to colours and, above all, loyalty to the community it represents.”
What has Jamie Carragher said about winning the award?
Carragher revealed his honour at picking up the gong in front of the packed stadium, and believes there are a lot of similarities between Liverpool and the Basque club.
He said: “Being able to say that you have only played in one place is fantastic and fits in with the tradition of Athletic Club.
“More important than being a One Club Man is sharing these values, so for me it is an honour and I feel very proud.
“The excitement you feel playing for your hometown club is incredible, just like what Athletic players feel.
“Football is life in Liverpool as well as here in Bilbao, which is why the connection between the two is so special. Many people talk about the European finals we won. They are very famous matches and I am very proud that people know about them.
“Even so, when I look back on my career, I feel that my greatest achievement is being a One Club Man, especially at a club as great as Liverpool.”
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