Ali Al-Hamadi has revealed how much he adores Steven Gerrard after growing up in Liverpool.
Ali Al-Hamadi was born in Iraq, but moved to Toxteth, Liverpool, at the age of one, due to the outbreak of war in his home country.
As a result of this move, Al-Hamadi became a Liverpool supporter and was almost recruited by the Reds during his teenage years.
Both Liverpool and Everton had the striker on their radar, but he eventually joined fellow Merseyside club Tranmere Rovers.
However, this did not stop Al-Hamadi from admiring Liverpool, along with his favorite player Steven Gerrard.
The 23-year-old even revealed that he loved Gerrard so much that he wished the former Liverpool captain was his father.
“I wish Steven Gerrard was my father, that’s how much I loved him when I was younger, I was so obsessed with Gerrard,” Al-Hamidi said jokingly The National News.
“Obviously I’m joking, dad, don’t take that to heart. Honestly, my dad is a great man. He’s helped me a lot and the sacrifices he’s made, as well as my mom, so many sacrifices to allow me to do what I do.”
Al-Hamidi’s father, Ibrahim, did not have an easy start to fatherhood. While studying to become a lawyer, he was arrested for his involvement in a peaceful protest against Saddam Hussein, his country’s leader. For this reason, Ibrahim did not meet his son until he was one year and four months old.
The family was reunited and Ibrahim is now the proud father of an English Football League striker.
Al-Hamidi is currently on loan to Luton Town from Ipswich, with the Hatters looking to win promotion to the Championship. They are currently ninth in the league, but only three points off the play-off spots.
He also hopes to feature in next year’s World Cup, with Iraq set to meet the United Arab Emirates next month for the final Asian qualifying spot.
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