Liverpool Legend Ian Rush. HE IS referred to as Liverpool's all-time scoring king and also as one of the deadliest strikers in football history - Ian Rush that is.
Jamaican fans got to witness the striker in action at the Wray & Nephew Football Festival at Sabina Park yesterday and were treated to a breathtaking display of football artistry.
They were not disappointed as Rush scored one of the goals in his team's (Liverpool's Legends) 2-1 win over Jamaica's Legends in the friendly encounter.
At 39, Rush seems to still retain the skill that earned him five Championship medals, one European Cup, 73 caps for Wales scoring 26 international goals, and a host of other honours with Liverpool.
Even if he hadn't scored, the Welshman would still have left an indelible mark on many who watched him play.
"Mr Ian Rush? I must say I truly admire your football skill. You were my idol growing up and even up until today I'm fascinated by how you play. I'm really very honoured to meet you," A male fan walked up to him and remarked after the game.
He humbly accepted the adulation before continuing to share aspects of his life.
QUESTION: Looking at you on the field now it is a little hard to believe that you've hung up your boots. Have you truly given up competitive football?
IAN RUSH: Yes. My days of competitive football are over. I still try to play to keep fit but I don't play competitively anymore.
Q: You represented Liverpool between 1980 and 1986, quit, then went back between 1988 and 1996. Sure you won't spring a surprise with a third stint?
IR: No way. I'm too old now. I don't think I could keep up with the youngsters. But I do love the game and I just regret that I don't have enough time.
Q: Representing your homeland Wales figures greatly among your accomplishments but you never made it to a World Cup final. Is that among your regrets?
IR: Definitely. We tried andtwice we went close to qualifying but we missed out. I still regret that. There are cherished memories, especially of Liverpool, and these override the disappointment.
Q: You speak fondly of Liverpool but what of the other team's you've represented.
IR: All my clubs are special to me. I've represented New-castle, Chester City, Wrexham, Leads, Sydney Olympic (Australia) and Juventus (Italy) but Liverpool-aahh Liverpool.
Q: Are you involved in other aspects of football?
IR: Yes. I do some coaching and conduct courses in Europe and the far east for youngsters between the ages of 13 and 17/18.
Q: You will be conducting one at Drax Hall today along with the other past Liverpool players. Are you looking forward to it?
IR: Oh yeah. This is my first time in Jamaica and I'm really honoured that I'm getting an opportunity to impart some of what I've learnt over the years to the Jamaican youngsters?
Q: At one time you were Britain's most expensive teenager. Do you think you were worth it?
IR: I wouldn't want to blow my own trumpet but I had a gift and I used it the best way I knew how.
Q: And finally, why do you invert your hands like fins and look like you are about to take off when you approach the goal?
IR: (Laughs) I didn't think anyone noticed. It's superstition really. I had scored three goals in a game for Liverpool a long time ago and I was doing my hand like then when I scored each of them. It seemed like a good luck charm so I kept doing it until it became a habit.
- Charmaine Austin
