Liverpool Legends "Invade" Bernama To Honour Contest Winner

By Prem Kumar Panjamothy KUALA LUMPUR, April 23 (Bernama) -- "You'll Never Walk Alone", the anthem of Liverpool Football Club, was played at full blast in the newsroom of Bernama here as 11 former greats of the world famous football club trooped in to honour one of its journalists Monday. They had arrived to applaud Bernama Economic Service journalist Azlee Nor Mahmud for being the first prize winner of Standard Chartered Malaysia's Liverpool FC's Best Fan Facebook contest. The Liverpool Masters team comprising manager Phil Neal and players Robbie Fowler, Steve McManaman, Patrick Berger, Vladimir Smicer, Stephane Henchoz, Rob Jones, Paul Jones, Steve Harkness, John Barnes and Bjorn Tore Kvarme were given a rousing welcome, especially by employees who were Liverpool fans. On Sunday, they had emerged victorious in the EPL Masters Football 2012 futsal tournament when the Fowler-led side defeated arch-rivals Manchester United 5-4 on penalties after the final ended at 4-4 in regulation time. All players signed an official Liverpool jersey before Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia Bhd's Country Head (Corporate Affairs), Norliza Kamaruddin (right) handed it over to a beaming Azlee (left). It was almost an impossible dream come true for the 32-year old, who like many other Malaysians, was an ardent fan of the Reds for more than 20 years. Upon arrival at Bernama, the former greats were greeted by Bernama's General Manager Hasnul Hassan, Editor-in Chief Yong Soo Heong and more than 100 employees of the news agency among whom had even brought along their toddlers. Barnes, who played for Liverpool 314 times from 1987 to 1997 and represented England from 1983 to 1995, was highly popular with his witty jokes and warm persona. When he saw some school-going children in their uniforms, he quipped,” Why aren't you in school today? School is important for you." Standard Chartered's Norliza also presented a football with autographs signed by the 2011-2012 Liverpool FC players to Bernama's General Manager, Hasnul Hassan. The "masters" later toured Bernama's editorial department and stopped a little while longer at the Bernama Economic Service to sign autographs on t-shirts or anything the fans could get hold of, and posed for photographs. Azlee had charmed Standard Chartered Malaysia and the former greats with his slogan: "I have been graced by the presence of football gods in the form of Liverpool Football Club. A class that transcends time." "On April 19, I received a call from Standard Chartered's representative saying that I won the first prize. While he was explaining to me, I couldn't contain my joy and screamed with excitement." The bank also dispatched two VIP tickets and also 50 normal tickets to the Masters Cup match which Azlee distributed to friends, family and colleagues. Azlee remarked, "I got to meet my idols, it was so surreal. A dream come true. Thank you Standard Chartered and Liverpool Football Club for this chance of a lifetime. This memory will be cherished forever," he said. His slogan accompanied by a short message would be posted shortly on Liverpool's liveblog -- www.nesn.com/liverpool-fc/. With the visit, Azlee is also energised in his support for Liverpool to do well in their May 5 clash in the English FA Cup final against Chelsea. He also hopes Liverpool will return to form and regain their glory days in the 2012-2013 Barclays English Premier League. Meanwhile, former Liverpool skipper, Phil Neal, winner of four European Cup titles (1977, 1978, 1981, 1984), said meeting Chelsea could be a blessing in disguise since Liverpool had a good track record when playing against the team from Stamford Bridge. "The result has always been favourable to us (Liverpool) when playing Chelsea but do beat them, the strike force need to be sharp," he said. (photoBERNAMA) MALAYSIA