Source: Daily_Mail
Sportsmail celebrates Jamie Carragher as Mr Liverpool hits 600 games
Round Anfield way they call him 'Mr Liverpool' and with good reason - Jamie Carragher's appearance against Portsmouth on Saturday will mark his 600th appearance for the Merseyside club. [LNB]Carragher's character off the field as well as heart-on-sleeve performances on it have singled him out as a true Kop hero - a local lad who gives his all every time he pulls on the famous red shirt.[LNB] Some things never change: Carragher back in 1997 (left) and in 2009 with same logo on the front of his Liverpool shirt[LNB]He spent many years as a utility player until the arrival of Rafa Benitez , who made his move to centre-back a permanent one and there have been plenty of highlights during is 13 years with the club.[LNB]Here Sportsmail takes a look at some of 'Carra's' memorable moments.[LNB]Old mates: Carragher gets a hug from ex-Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier[LNB]Debut boy Carragher was born in Bootle and grew up as an Evertonian but decided on joining the red half of the city as a youth player, signing professional terms in October 1996.[LNB]Carra's debut came on January 8, 1997, when he was brought on for Rob Jones in the 2-1 League Cup quarter final defeat at Middlesbrough and he made his full Premier League debut 10 days in the 3-0 victory over Aston Villa.[LNB]His debut league start against Villa was made all the more memorable when he scored the opening goal - one of just four he has netted in his career.[LNB]Five-in-one, the remarkable quintupleThey like trophies at Anfield and Carragher was an integral part of Gerard Houllier's side that picked up five pots in 2001. [LNB]Making 58 appearances, most of which were at left-back, he picked up winners 'medals in the domestic FA and League Cup double to go alongside the UEFA Cup after the incredible 5-4 victory in the final over Alaves. [LNB]VIDEO: The incredible UEFA Cup Final against Alaves[LNB][LNB]Later on that year Liverpool also went on to lift the Community Shield at Wembley and the UEFA Super Cup after beating Champions League winners Bayern Munich at the Stade Louis II in Monaco. [LNB]Temporary truce: Gary Neville (left) and Jamie Carragher on England duty[LNB]Beating the MancsThe rivalry between Liverpool and Manchester United needs no introduction but each club has it's own talisman, a player the fans liken to being 'one of their own.' For Liverpool read Jamie Carragher, United it is Gary Neville.[LNB]And after Neville bemoaned the harassment he received from Liverpool fans, Carragher was quick to retort.[LNB]He said: 'I think there is a line and Neville crossed it. I've heard people say it's justified because he gets a lot of stick from the Liverpool fans, and the truth is he gets the stick because he's been doing that for years.'[LNB] No friend of mine: Carragher brings down ex-Kop idol Michael Owen down - and Manchester United did not even get a penalty[LNB]Record in EuropeCarragher may be making his 600th appearance for Liverpool this weekend but that isn't the only milestone he has passed for the club in recent times.[LNB]In Liverpool's Champions League semi-final second leg against Chelsea in 2007, Carragher set a record for the most appearances in European competition for the club. [LNB] Legends both: Carragher with Robbie Fowler after winning the 2001 UEFA Cup[LNB]His 90th European match took him past Ian Callaghan's previous record of 89 matches between 1964 and 1978.[LNB]He then wrote a new chapter in Kop history by becoming the first player to represent the Reds 100 times in European competition - a feat he achieved as Rafa's side knocked Inter Milan out of the Champions League at the San Siro in February 2008.[LNB]Champions LeagueOf all the 600 appearances Carragher has made, it was that night in Istanbul in 2005 that will remain in the memory longest. [LNB]After Liverpool's nightmare first half, the centre back's performance was nothing short of heroic as the game dragged on into extra time, he seemed to get better.[LNB] Proudest moment: Carragher and Gerrard with the 2005 Champions League trophy[LNB]VIDEO: Carragher and Gerrard on the 2005 Champions League Final[LNB][LNB]Wave after wave of AC Milan attacks were broken up by Carragher, who in the latter stages was, clearly, suffering from cramp.[LNB]The comeback was complete and the title won on penalties - cue Carragher's running and jumping celebration as he raced to join penalty save hero Jerzy Dudek.[LNB]And one to forget ... Carragher isn't famed for goals, well, not for his own team anyway, but he is known to score a few for the opposition.[LNB]Two for Manchester United in the 3-2 league defeat at Anfield September 1999, several for Spurs over the years but his most famous came in the FA Cup Final of 2006.[LNB]VIDEO: He doesn't miss those - netting for Tottenham...[LNB][LNB]...and for West Ham[LNB][LNB]His opener for West Ham at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff looked likely to have put the Hammers on their way to a famous victory but a late Steven Gerrard drive levelled things at 3-3 and the Reds won it on penalties - much to Carragher's relief.[LNB] THE FIRING LINE: Gianfranco Zola and Phil Brown at mercy of the big boys - but find out who can enjoy Christmas cheerLiverpool 2 Wigan 1: Torres and Ngog prove ideal tonic for gambler RafaLiverpool set to win Van Nistelrooy race as Benitez lines up January loan swoopWorld Cup set for Milton Keynes! Bristol and Plymouth also on England 2018 bid list, but Derby, Leicester and Hull miss outTHE LIST: Top players of the decade in the Premier League - Nos 20-11LIVERPOOL FC
