Latest news with #JohnAldridge
Irish Independent
8 hours ago
- Sport
- Irish Independent
John Aldridge: Why Evan Ferguson's transfer has come at the perfect moment for Ireland
Evan Ferguson is set to complete his move to Serie A giants Roma after a deal was agreed with Brighton and former Ireland striker John Aldridge has declared the move is perfectly timed.
Irish Times
03-07-2025
- Sport
- Irish Times
‘A player you didn't want to play against': Liverpool's Irish fans in shock at tragic death of Diogo Jota
Former Liverpool and Republic of Ireland international John Aldridge has paid tribute to Liverpoool's Portuguese striker Diogo Jota, who was killed in a car crash in Spain. Aldridge said he was 'absolutely devastated' at the death of Jota who was killed alongside his brother Andre Silva, a fellow professional footballer, when their car left the road in the north-western Spanish province of Zamora. The football world has been stunned by the death of the Portuguese international, who scored 65 goals in 182 games for Liverpool and 14 in 49 for the Portuguese national team. Jota has endeared himself to Liverpool fans since joining the club in 2020. READ MORE 'I can't say the way I feel at the moment I can't get my head around it! It's like a part of my family has passed away,' Aldridge posted on X. 'Absolutely gutted all our thoughts are with the family YNWA,' he added, referring to the anthem of the club's supporters, You'll Never Walk Along. Diogo Jota joined Liverpool from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020, going on to make 182 appearances for the club. Photograph: Peter Byrne/PA Wire Former Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill said he was 'incredibly shocked to hear the awful news about Diogo Jota and his brother Andre'. He added: 'Jota was a phenomenal talent in the prime of his career. Condolences to his family at this tragic time." I can't say the way I feel at the moment I can't get my head around it!it's like apart of my family has passed away, Absolutely gutted all our thoughts are with the family YNWA❤️🙏 — John Aldridge (@Realaldo474) Prior to joining Liverpool, Jota spent two seasons at Wolverhampton Wanderers where he scored 44 goals in 131 appearances. His former teammate, Republic of Ireland international Matt Doherty, posted on his Instagram account: 'Can't believe this. What a special player and person. Distraught for all your family and friends.' There are 33 official Liverpool FC supporters clubs in Ireland recognised by the club. Fans expressed their shock at Jota's death on the Facebook pages. The Irish Liverpool supporters posted: 'RIP: Diogo Jota, the 28‑year‑old Liverpool and Portugal forward, has tragically died in a car accident near Zamora, Spain, alongside his brother Andre. 'Our thoughts are with his family, friends, teammates, and the entire football community.' Another supporters club, Liverpool Supporters Galway YNWA, posted: 'Absolutely heartbreaking and shocking news. Our thoughts are with their family and loved ones.' Jonathan Smith, a member of the You'll Never Walk Alone Liverpool Irish supporters club, told RTÉ's Today with Claire Byrne programme that he could not believe the tragic news. 'I'm in total shock. He was a terrier. He was the player you didn't want to play against. He'd get himself injured as he'd put his head and leg in where it shouldn't be,' he said. 'It's absolutely tragic to talk about him in the past tense. Jurgen Klopp knew Jota would give everything. He knew he would hound players. He'll be remembered for his smile. He's a tragic loss.' · ·
BBC News
14-06-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
'He won't believe how adored he will be'
Former Liverpool striker John Aldridge thinks new signing Florian Wirtz is a "special talent" and the German's "flexibility" will be a huge asset to Arne Slot's attacking midfielder completed a £116m move to Merseyside on Friday and Aldridge believes it's a step in the right direction for the club."We've known for some time what a prospect he is. And he's shown he's well adept in the Bundesliga and he's got massive potential to do the same in the Premier League. It's a bit tougher but he's a special talent," he told BBC Radio 5 Live."He's a bit flamboyant and can get himself out of tricky situations but he's very game as well and he doesn't shy away from any tackles. He's very creative and he's got an eye for a goal which are all the trademarks of exactly what we [Liverpool] need to make us a better team."It gives the manager options because he is very flexible. He can play in a few positions as we've seen before and he can actually play as a centre forward, like a Roberto Firmino type. He could play there at a push but I don't think we've actually bought him for that, the flexibility he will give us in midfield will be excellent."The 22-year-old helped Bayer Leverkusen secure the Bundesliga title in 2024 and go a full domestic season themselves won a record equalling 20th top-flight title last season, and Aldridge believes the addition of Wirtz is one with a view to maintaining success."I wouldn't see him as his Mo Salah's replacement, I just think it's to make us better for next year and go on to retain the title because it's always hard," Aldridge said."You've got to give Manchester City credit for doing it in the last few years. To be fair to Arne [Slot] he's won it with another man's tools, with Jurgen's tools. It was just [Federico] Chiesa who came in and he didn't play an awful lot so the manager can go out now and get the type of players that fit the bill."You want to get off to a good start don't you? Even if he doesn't, it will certainly happen for a player of his ilk, the crowd will love him and once he starts creating and scoring goals like Salah, he won't believe how adored he will be."
BBC News
09-06-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
38 years ago today...
On this day in 1987, Liverpool legend John Barnes completed a £900,000 move to Anfield from Jamaica-born winger was signed by former manager Kenny Daglish and arrived on Merseyside alongside fellow attackers John Aldridge and Peter went on to clock up 406 appearances during his 10-year stint at Liverpool, scoring 107 was twice named England's Footballer of the Year, after winning the title in 1987-88 and 1989-90. His silverware on Merseyside also included the 1989 FA Cup and the League Cup in 1995.
Daily Mail
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Eagle-eyed fans spot Gary Neville making a swift exit from Anfield after bumping into Liverpool legend during wild title celebrations
Eagled-eyed fans have spotted the moment Gary Neville made a swift exit from Anfield - just 14 seconds after Liverpool were crowned Premier League champions. The Reds thrashed Tottenham 5-1 on Sunday to ensure they secured a historic 20th league title - with players and staff soaking up the occasion on the pitch. However, along with the travelling Spurs fans, there was one man inside Anfield who did not care to see the title celebrations. Neville, who had been on co-commentary duty for Sky Sports, appeared in the background of a video posted on Liverpool's X account, just after the final whistle. As the majority of Anfield rejoiced in celebration, the ex-Man United star snuck out the commentary box - but not before bumping into Liverpool legend John Aldridge. The pair shared a quick embrace - with Neville all smiles - before the former United full-back continued on his way, with his backpack slung over his shoulder. Neville, who was on co-commentary for Sky Sports, hurried out of the media zone - but not before bumping into Liverpool legend John Aldridge, who was on commentary for the club Fans were quick to spot the moment and comment on it on social media, with one user writing: 'It was literally impossible for @GNev2 to leave that gantry any quicker'. Prior to kick-off, Neville had already outlined how it was a 'sobering' day for Man United as their record (20) for most league titles was matched by Liverpool. Speaking on Sky Sports ahead of Sunday's match, a downbeat Neville conceded: 'You have to respect the team that have won the title, they have been the best team. 'It is one of the great coaching performances we have seen, to come in and not get players, and still achieve this, you have to hand it to him. But it is a sobering day.' On the wider significance of Liverpool reaching 20 titles, Neville added: 'It is a massive deal. 'When you think of the importance of a league title, the managers at Liverpool and United always talk about your bread and butter being the league. You could debate the most successful club when United were on 20. 'Obviously Liverpool have more European Cups, but the painful thing to say is the debate is over for a period until United become successful again and win leagues. 'It should cause real tremors at Old Trafford. Liverpool will be the most successful club after today, and that should cause heartache and pain. 'It took a lot to get ahead of Liverpool, and now that will be gone.' 🏃♂️ It was literally impossible for @GNev2 to leave that gantry any quicker 😂 — The Redmen TV (@TheRedmenTV) April 29, 2025 Though he didn't hang around the commentary box, Neville was still on hand post-match to deliver a scathing assessment of one of Spurs' players on the day. He took aim at 19-year-old midfielder Lucas Bergvall for his role in Liverpool's third goal and labelled the Sweden international as 'pathetic'. 'Bergvall's header is appalling, it's pathetic,' Neville said on Sky Sports commentary. 'He half ducks his head. 'I have no idea what he's doing. It was a free header and he ended up glancing it into his own box'.
