Liverpool Football Club came and conquered Melbourne in July, 2013.
Despite their departure, the Reds’ fans and the city of Melbourne are still buzzing in the aftermath of Steven Gerrard and Co’s first-ever trip to Australia.
“From the moment they stepped off the plane, I knew this tour would be big,” said Mr Jai Rankine, secretary of the Melbourne Liverpool Supporters Association (MLSA).
“There were hundreds of people to greet them at the airport and then another couple of hundred out at the front of the team hotel as well.”
Mr Anthony Dinoto, Treasurer of the MLSA, believes that Australia’s affinity with the Reds is greater than other renowned football clubs around the world.
“The success of Liverpool through the 1970’s and ‘80’s as well as the romance that was Istanbul, (2005 UEFA Champions League final) has been a great attraction for Australians to follow the club,” he said.
“But the fact that local legends such as Craig Johnston and Harry Kewell also represented the club is the main reason why LFC is so much bigger in Australia than any other club.”
Catch our exclusive picture gallery on Liverpool’s maiden stay in Australia.
View the video on the crowd’s reaction as the Liverpool players emerge for their open training session.
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Off the pitch, Liverpool’s remarkable drawing power also strengthened the coffers of the Victorian tourism industry.
According to the Office of Victoria Premier Dennis Napthine, Liverpool’s visit is expected to have generated more than $10 million in economic benefits to the state.
Liverpool FC Managing Director Mr Ian Ayre also revealed that the club had recorded their highest-ever 24-hour merchandise sales during their stay in Melbourne.
The record sales even astonished the most staunch Liverpool supporters.
“I was staggered when I read that,” said Mr Rankine, the President of the MLSA.
“ Liverpool FC have three major stores in Liverpool and we had a tent and a couple of merchandise stands around the ground and we still broke that record.”
“It just shows how popular they are.”
More records were crushed thanks to the crowd of 95,446 fans.
It was the largest attendance at a Liverpool match in their 120-year history and also the biggest crowd ever to watch a soccer match at the MCG.
“For a club as old and as successful as LFC to play in front of one of its biggest-ever audiences and for the match to have had such a great atmosphere will do wonders for the city of Melbourne and also Australia on a whole when it comes to attracting people to visit us,” said Mr Dinoto.
Mr Rankine hopes that the Liverpool hierarchy will consider including Australia in any future pre-season tours.
“The response they received will hopefully ensure that they come back sooner rather than later and perhaps make it a regular thing that happens every few years,” he said.
“They certainly won’t be waiting another 120 years,” quipped Mr Dinoto.
