Liverpool’s number 7 shirt is one of the most iconic shirts in the club’s illustrious history and has been worn by some of the greatest players of all time. Kenny Dalglish, Kevin Keegan and Luis Suarez became synonymous with the shirt during their time at Anfield, while Billy Liddell, Ian Callaghan, Peter Beardsley and Steve McManaman were other most successful historic wearers. Luis Diaz has become the Reds’ biggest free signing, picking up all the major honors for the veteran current holder after his shirt was handed over by vice-captain James Milner last summer.
Vladimir Smyker inherited McManaman’s famous number 7 after replacing the Real Madrid midfielder at Anfield in 1999. But despite winning the treble with Liverpool in 2000/2001 while in the shirt, he was more than happy to hand over the jersey to a new player. In the summer of 2003, he signed with Harry Kewell.
Although he spent two more seasons on Merseyside, the Czech’s best years at Liverpool were yet to come. Wearing the number 11 shirt, he scored in United’s famous Champions League win against AC Milan in 2005, his last appearance for the club. But with so many Copites dreaming of playing for Liverpool and wearing the number 7 shirt, why would Smyker be happy to part ways with him? “When I signed Harry Kewell he called me and asked if I could have him,” he explained in an exclusive interview with the ECHO. “He wore number 7 his whole career, which didn’t bring me much luck. “Seventh for me was Kenny Daglish and Kevin Keegan. It was always something special for Liverpool fans and a lot was expected of me when I wore it. “I felt like there was a rock on my back, so when Harry Kewell called me I said, ‘Harry, I’m unlucky with number seven.’ I hope your luck is better than mine.
Smicer played 184 games for Liverpool over six seasons, scoring 19 goals and providing 31 assists. Along the way, he won the League Cup (twice), FA Cup, UEFA Cup as well as the Champions League during his time at the Reds. He played in all the aforementioned finals during his successful spell under Gerard Julio and Rafa Benitez. However, he has struggled with serious injuries and poor performances at Anfield. Fans believe the midfielder has been at his best on Merseyside but admit he is frustrated by his inability to stay injury-free.
I think they’ve seen the best of me, but it’s not consistent,” he said. “It was a problem because injuries seemed to get in the way when we were playing well. “I suddenly had a serious injury and it was difficult for me to get healthy again. I think it’s a bit unfortunate because it has prevented us from consistently producing high-level results. “That was my only disappointment at Liverpool. I never went one, two or three years without getting seriously injured.”Injury eventually forced him into the final season of his contract with new manager Benítez and ended his Liverpool career. A preseason knee injury required surgery and sidelined him for the first half of the season.
Smyker made 16 appearances for the club on his return but his most notable performance came in Istanbul when Benitez told the then 32-year-old his contract would not be renewed as he wanted to include him in the squad . Its composition. substitute.He recalled: “I had a good relationship (with Benitez).” “When Rafa arrived, we didn’t know each other very well and of course it was difficult because he injured his knee after the first warm-up match.”But he was very supportive and said, ‘OK, when is it going to be?’
