In comments reported by the Echo, Liverpool’s mayor Joe Anderson has suggested that the Reds victorious procession to Champions League splendour is worth “in excess of £150m” to the city.
Despite being an Everton fan, Anderson has put club sympathies aside and praised the winning Reds and the way in which the Anfield faithful celebrated on Sunday’s victory parade.
The eyes of the world were fixed on the city as global news media outlets flocked to Merseyside.
“There were more than 250 accredited journalists from places like CNN in the US, to Brazil and China and that was amazing for the brand of Liverpool as a city around the world”, he claimed.
“We would have paid a few million quid for that kind of advertising – it is fantastic for the city.”
“I’ve talked a lot about the tourism and visitor economy and what it means for us – and Liverpool FC are the biggest contributors to that.
“What they have done for the brand of this city on a global scale is incalculable.”
750,000+ fans. That’s how you do a parade. pic.twitter.com/uCpPehY40q
— Kloppholic (@Kloppholic) June 3, 2019
Jürgen Klopp triumphantly led the Reds to European supremacy in Madrid and winning No. 6 has not only filled the club’s coffers, but the city’s too.
“I reckon it is in excess of £150m when you add everything together, the hotels, pubs, restaurants and the brand value for the city”, Mayor Anderson calculated.
As this benefits the entire population of Liverpool, this is a city-wide cause of celebration and the lifelong Everton fan said allegiances should be parked (for a bit) and resentment should be scrapped.
“When I was tweeting to say well done to Liverpool I was getting a fair bit of stick – from both sides actually.
“But for me I want Everton to be better not bitter, we need to focus on how we can become as strong as Liverpool.
“You have to say they have played really exciting football.”
It’s impossible to argue with. Anyone who witnessed our Champions League run and the subsequent victory march through city would be hard-pressed not to be moved by the sheer passion of the scene.
Rivals can say whatever they want if they must – we’re six-times European champions and we’ve got the best fans in the world!