LIVERPOOL legend Ronnie Whelan said his first six months at Anfield was one of the worst times of his life.
The dad of three, who was capped 53 times for Ireland, said homesickness drove him to booze and gambling – and almost derailed his football career.
In 1979 the Dubliner, 60, was living in digs near Anfield, earning £150 a week at the age of 18; but he pined for his family back home in Finglas.
Ronnie said: “It was a massive big change, and for a good few months, not for the best because I was extremely homesick.
“Every day was a battle, in training as well, which I wasn’t used to, playing amateur football.
This story is from the September 25, 2022 edition of Irish Sunday Mirror.
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This story is from the September 25, 2022 edition of Irish Sunday Mirror.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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