Liverpool Legends often see a host of double agents, with players who’ve represented both clubs participating in the LFC Foundation’s annual charity match.
Xabi Alonso donned both the Reds’ and Bayern Munich’s colors back in 2018, while Luis Garcia played for both teams when Barcelona visited Anfield in 2022. Steve McManaman, Michael Owen, Jerzy Dudek and Fernando Morientes all had spells with both sides during the two showdowns with Real Madrid in 2015 and 2017, while Robbie Keane represented both Liverpool and Celtic in 2023.
In last year’s match against Ajax, Ryan Babel and Jari Litmanen chose to play for both the Reds and the Dutch giants. However, despite such a tradition, Yossi Benayoun had no intention of doing the same when the Legends hosted Chelsea on Saturday.
The Israeli was a fan favorite during his time at Anfield, netting 29 goals and providing 20 assists in 134 appearances over three seasons. But after falling out of favor under Rafa Benitez, he made a $7.1 million move to Chelsea in July 2010.
Unfortunately, a ruptured Achilles tendon quickly halted his progress at Stamford Bridge as he only managed 10 appearances in his first season with the club. Loan stints at Arsenal and West Ham United followed before he departed at the end of his three-year contract, having only made 24 appearances for the London side.
Benayoun’s decision not to wear Chelsea blues against Liverpool speaks volumes about his relationship with the Anfield faithful. After the match, he confirmed his loyalty, saying, “Yeah, I played also for Chelsea (during my career). No (I didn’t want to swap sides). Yeah (I could have played for both) but no. I play only for Liverpool!”.
The former midfielder couldn’t hide his joy at returning to Anfield, taking to the pitch as a half-time sub and linking up with Steven Gerrard in the heart of midfield. A Peter Crouch double sealed a 2-0 victory, but it was the connection with the Liverpool fans that made this an unforgettable day for Benayoun, who is already keen on his next outing with the LFC Legends.
“It was amazing to come back to Anfield for me for the first time,” he enthused. “Of course, for this important cause, the foundation, raise a lot of money, so it was amazing. I think it shows how big is this club compared to others. Not all the clubs are keeping in touch with ex-players, so it’s amazing. This is why Liverpool is so special.
“Hopefully (I will be back next year), yeah, I will be happy to come back as long as they want us to come back and, of course, to raise money all the time for the Foundation. I think this is the most important thing and hopefully we will be part of this in the next few years.”
Meanwhile, having kept a close eye on his former club, Benayoun remains assured that Liverpool is on track to clinch the Premier League title this season. Presently, the Reds have established a 12-point advantage over another one of the Israeli’s old teams, Arsenal, with just nine fixtures remaining on the slate.
“Yes, I’ve been following them. I’m sure the league is in the hands of Liverpool,” he commented. “It’s a shame they didn’t win another trophy, the cup and the Champions League, but to win the league is the most important title in England.”
