A former Liverpool goalkeeper was left in disbelief after unknowingly unveiling a pitch named in his honour throughout a shock occasion within the metropolis.
Dutchman Sander Westerveld was talking solely to Empire of the Kop on the launch of the Cruyff Court docket Sander Westerveld, positioned at Lakeside College in Liverpool.
After sharing his ideas on the present goalkeeper state of affairs at Anfield, our former No.1 spoke a couple of memorable day.
Regardless of serving to Liverpool to a treble in 2001, Westerveld admitted he by no means anticipated to be honoured with a Cruyff Court docket of his personal, particularly alongside names like Johan Cruyff, Frank Rijkaard, Marco van Basten and Virgil van Dijk.
Talking to us on the occasion, the 49-year-old mentioned: “No, it was a complete shock. I’ve been an envoy for the Johan Cruyff Basis for the final 10 years… I by no means anticipated to have my very own Cruyff Court docket.”
The Dutchman had been concerned within the latest launch of the Cruyff Court docket Ryan Gravenberch, and assumed this newest unveiling was enterprise as common — till he noticed dozens of kids sporting shirts together with his title on the again.
“After all I noticed the names on all people’s backs, however I assumed it was only a good element,” he mentioned.
“I used to be actually fortunately stunned once I noticed my title… It’s been an enormous honour to be amongst these names.”
Sander Westerveld’s court docket continues basis’s Liverpool legacy
Image through The Johan Cruyff Basis
The court docket, which is designed to help kids with particular academic wants, is a part of a rising community throughout the UK, with over 35 already constructed.
The power at Lakeside College joins the likes of the Gravenberch court docket at Anfield Sports activities and Neighborhood Centre as one other Liverpool-based mission supported by the Cruyff Basiswhich continues to ship on Johan Cruyff’s imaginative and prescient to enhance lives by way of sport.
Westerveld joins a choose group of names with courts named after them — an enormous mark of respect for a person who stays fondly remembered at Anfield.
“To have my title amongst these legends… particularly right here at this nice faculty, is a proud second for me. I’m a cheerful man,” he added.
And with Gravenberch additionally lately recognised on this method, it’s clear the legacy of Liverpool gamers — previous and current — is being celebrated far past the pitch.
Be a part of our channel of readers on WhatsApp to get the day’s prime tales straight to your cellular
