The former Liverpool striker made 176 Premier League appearances scoring 48 goals, also appearing for Leeds United and Newcastle United at the tail-end of a glittering top-flight career.
His predatory instincts made him one of the game’s great goal poachers. His clinical finishing established him as Liverpool’s record goalscorer and saw him revered by the Kop.
Now the former Welsh international sits among the fans who used to cheer him and he is revelling in the atmosphere and excitement of watching the Barclays Premier League.
real buzz
Rush said: “I am loving the chance to go to games as a supporter with my sons.
“When I was playing, I missed out on the chance to actually go to matches with them so it is great to do it now and to feel that sense of anticipation as we walk up to the ground.
“The sights, the sounds and even the smells are all part of it and you do get a real buzz as you get near the stadium and see the supporters thronging the streets.
“We were kept away from all that when I was playing. The team coach used to take you straight through to the players’ entrance so we never really experienced that excitement.
“When the kids went to games, they were ushered straight in so I did not get much chance to savour the build-up with them.
“They are grown-up now but I am enjoying taking them to matches and being part of the atmosphere. It makes you realise what football is all about.
“There is a real tingle of excitement – especially ahead of big games or local derbies when you can feel the tension in the air.
“You know you are going to see something special and something which means so much to so many people, not just here but across the world.”
major attraction
Rush knows from personal experience just how much passion the game arouses in supporters across the globe.
Even though the distance makes it hard for these fans to attend Barclays Premier League fixtures, they are as ardent in their support as any of the fans inside the stadia.
He added: “I have watched Liverpool v Manchester United on the big screen in Malaysia and there were 3,000 people there.
“It was a huge venue, like a cinema and all the fans were wearing Liverpool and United shirts. It was amazing.
“They all watched the game so intensely and got very excited whenever there was a chance. It was quite an experience.
“And the time difference means that often they have to get up in the early hours of the morning in order to watch the matches which are screened live all over the globe now.
“The world is becoming smaller and the Barclays Premier League is a major attraction. The likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid are great clubs but it is the Barclays Premier League which arouses the greatest passion in that part of the world.”
fan competition
Now Rush is backing Barclays Around the World in 90 Minutes – a unique competition which aims to find the ultimate fan’s experience of the Barclays Premier League, with a fabulous prize to be won.
Barclays want to hear about fans’ dedication to their favourites. How, where and when do you watch matches? What lengths do you go to in order to support your team?
The fan who enters the best Barclays Premier League match-day experience will win a trip for two to see their favourite Barclays Premier League team play live in the UK.
Check EPLTable.com to enter via the competition website. Fans are required to explain in no more than 100 words why they feel their match-day experience is the best in the world.
Supporters are also encouraged to support their entries by uploading videos and photos. The competition will run from 8th February 2010 through to 22nd March 2010 with the winner of Barclays Around the World in 90 Minutes’ announced in April 2010.
“Ian Rush is a judge for Barclays Around the World in 90 Minutes and was speaking at the launch of the global fan competition to find the best Barclays Premier League match-day experience across the globe. Fans have until 22nd March to enter via the competition website – www.barclaysfootball.com”
“The Barclays Premier League is a major attraction” – Ian Rush
Credits: PremierLeague.com
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