“As I am sure you already know, every year I like to write a message to Liverpool fans all over the world to wish them a very happy and peaceful Christmas, regardless of how they choose to celebrate it.
After the year we've had, it is perhaps more important for me to share these words directly with each and every one of you reading them than ever.
Of course, we will never forget the year 2020, both for good and not so good reasons, let me put it that way.
We are living in extraordinary times and each and every one of us has been affected by the coronavirus pandemic. It has changed every aspect of our lives, both personally and professionally.
Who would have thought a year ago that our year would be like this, that we would be in “confinements”, that we could not travel or, most important of all, see our loved ones? So what it has really taught me is how precious life is; how quickly things can be removed, to appreciate all you can.
But it has also taught me what good people can do when they bond and support each other.
I would like to heartily pay tribute to the front-line workers around the world, the doctors, the nurses, the hospital staff, the emergency services, for all that they have done in the last nine months. Wow, what can I say? I don't have the words to even begin to describe to you how much I respect and admire everything that you are doing for people in these times.
On behalf of myself, my team and my club, thank you. You are true heroes for all of us. I will be thinking of you today.
To those who have worked to keep countries running, to keep stores stocked and serve customers, to the drivers who have kept public transportation running, you guys are amazing and your selfless work has helped countless people, myself included. . I appreciate.
It was sad that circumstances meant that we couldn't make our annual visit to Alder Hey this year and let me tell you that the guys, my staff and I were very disappointed by that. But I'm happy with the use of technology that I don't fully understand, we were able to bring at least a few smiles to some of the families and patients in the wards. I send big hugs to all of you today.
To those of you who have selflessly and tirelessly worked throughout the city at food banks and other charities to support others, my love is with you. I was so happy to hear how Fans Supporting Foodbanks continue to do amazing things for people in need and I really enjoyed the images of tractors driving through town with Christmas lights on in aid of FSF and Alder Hey.
I also saw the video recently of Lee and Timo from The Florrie visiting Anfield and talking to Sadio… it was very emotional to watch. But it also said a lot about the spirit of this city and its people. When we come together, we can make a difference in the lives of others.
Of course this is not just in Liverpool, we are seeing incredible work elsewhere to help others as well, and my respect for what Marcus Rashford is doing is enormous.
It's simple, it's obvious: we are better when we come together. It is always a solution and not a problem.
Unfortunately, as this virus has impacted us all, as I said, there will be those who read this and have lost their loved ones. For you, and the fans of all the clubs who have suffered a duel in this way and in any other way, my message is simple. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Similarly, today and every day, all of our thoughts go out to the Hillsborough families, survivors and activists and the 96 who lost their lives. Your strength, stamina, and courage continue to inspire us every day.
We also sadly lost some members of the Liverpool family this year and my thoughts go out to the families and friends of Gerard Houllier, Michael Robinson, Ray Clemence, Arthur Edwards, Jacques Crevoisier, Don Woan and Brian Jackson.
I would like to take this opportunity to record my deepest thanks and gratitude to the staff of this club. Really, the work they did to get us back on the field, to create a safe environment … it was incredible.
From the moment we knew we would be leaving Melwood for a period that Friday afternoon in March, the way everyone reacted and adjusted to the circumstances to keep the kids fit and healthy and keep us fit and ready to go back was truly something extraordinary. . There wasn't a book they could look at to get the information, there wasn't a website, they had to do it themselves, and they did it brilliantly. I am very proud and grateful for what they did for us.
I have said it many times, I am nothing without my staff. It is true. But in addition, Liverpool Football Club is nothing without its staff.
I will not name individual names as some folks are embarrassed and scolded for doing that before, but thank you for all you have done and continue to do to keep the club moving. From everyone at Kirkby, the receptionists, the kitchen staff, the grounds staff, the security guards, our drivers, our travel staff, to every other department – their hard work, their hard work, and their ability to adjusting to a new way of working has been incredible. This is for all of you – our success as a team is as much about you as it is about anyone in the “soccer” department.
For the staff who work with our charitable programs, LFC Foundation and Red Neighbors, their work is something that I am proud to be a part of at this club. What you are doing is amazing for the community.
Of course, when we look back at 2020, now and in the years to come, whoever is with us will always remember these words: Liverpool Football Club, champions of England.
That sounds great, right?
As it always is in life, sometimes it's funny how things come together and for us in our bubble, we were able to be together the night we became champions. I think you have already seen the images … and part of the dance!
But it was important to me that we were able to share this special moment together. The boys deserved it.
I will never forget the time we spent together but apart if you want during the confinement. Our WhatsApp group was on fire, let me put it like this! But it showed me the unity and team spirit that exists within this group of players.
I didn't need anyone to tell me that, I already knew that, but what I love about this, as I've always said, is that all the different nationalities, cultures, beliefs and backgrounds come together and work towards one goal as colleagues and as friends. . It really is an amazing thing when you think about it and, like I said, it shows how much better we are when we are together as human beings.
So sharing this moment together, when we became champions, a moment that we will all remember and savor for the rest of our lives, it was huge. It was exciting, as I'm sure you saw on TV afterward. Then Sir Kenny Dalglish to hand us the trophy … wow!
Yes, it wasn't the way we all lay in bed dreaming about it, a crowded Anfield celebrating together, but like I said at the time, we had to celebrate it in the right way for now.
Our time to celebrate together will come, I can promise you this.
I'm not too proud to say I miss you at Anfield. I miss you at our away games. I miss you in Europe. Really, how much you invest in following this team is something that I always find remarkable.
I think they saw in my face how happy I was when I came out for the warm-up against Wolves and they saw some of you inside Anfield. It was an emotional feeling for me and afterwards, it was something that most of the players said they felt in the locker room.
I am a person who always tries to be positive, so for me there is a lot to look forward to in 2021. Most importantly, advances in medicine and science mean that hopefully we will start to overcome this pandemic and recover some of the 'normal' again.
But in a footballing sense, we hope to have a full Anfield once again sometime this new year. Can you begin to imagine what that will be like? It gives me goose bumps just thinking about it while writing these words!
And there is a lot to look forward to for this team. We are not finished; we are as hungry and as determined as ever to bring you the success you deserve. I see that on the boys' faces every day.
We have also moved to a world-class training center in Kirkby, which has brought us closer to our Academy and the incredible work they do there. My highest respect to Alex and all the staff there for the work they are doing. It's that job that has allowed us to bring in the likes of Curtis, Neco, Rhys, Billy the kid, Caoimhin, Leighton, Jake, and many more.
We should also have positive news about the expansion of our home, Anfield, which will mean that more of you will be able to join us inside the stadium.
Finally, I would like to say that if this year has taught us all one thing, today it is not about what is under your Christmas tree, but about who is standing around it.
We have seen how life can change so quickly, so today we should all appreciate every moment, every second that we spend with our loved ones.
As I said in a video to LFCTV, it's not about the gift you receive today, it's about the thought and love behind the present and who is giving it to you.
Cherish these moments with your loved ones today. They are special.
So wherever you are in the world, however you are celebrating, I wish you a safe, peaceful and happy Christmas.
I hope that our team has helped you smile for an otherwise difficult year for everyone and I am looking forward to seeing you again soon.