welcome to Liverpool

SymphonyNo.7 in A Major, Allegretto by Beethoven,
absolutely masterpiece.

It create my own atmosphere on the plane,
it build another space for my mind.

Ironically this music was used by the disaster movie 'Knowing',
not to forget the long-take plane crash scene.

Ok, after another 7hours,
served with breakfast and coffee,
here we are in UK.

It was Weixiang who sit beside me in the Abu Dhabi flight to Manchester.
While we are on the sky of Manchester,
I remembered he hand me his camera and said,
'Wei, take some photos for me'.



Here we are, UK, so anticipated liao


After being stucked in airport imigration for hours,
finally we can exit Manchester Airport and we saw LJMU staff are waiting.

Bopet and Weisin wanted to go to toilet,
me and Hsien waiting.

LJMU staff urge us to move,
but we told them we have to wait for someone else.

Everybody is waiting for someone isnt it?

First thing I see in UK,
a young couple were kissing and hugging like nothing happen.

Ofcoz that doesnt shock me la,
but still,
I can start to feel UK already.

Goin out the airport and put in our luggage into the bus,
now I can breath the air in UK.

But damn, the weather is so so hot man,
not like what I imagine lor,
finished my Snicker's bar I bought in KLIA,
take off my jacket,
go into the bus.

But the driver didnt turn on the engine,
go green and energy-savin in UK huh?

So hot, so uncomfortable, cant breath.

Whatsover, on our way to Liverpool,
the scenery is so beautiful.

Green grass, sheep, farms.
Hmm....typical UK highway scenery in fact,
but the firstime is like....you know....
keep snapping photos thiz and that.

Exit from the highway, we are reaching Liverpool soon,
and we saw....


never see this in my whole life,
this is special, this is UK.


OK, reach Liverpool liao~~~
I remembered Elaine said 'Welcome to Liverpool',
and I saw a huge banner written '08 European Capital of Culture'.

This is it, this is the moment.
I am here in Liverpool, finally!!!


Allright,
I think that's all for tonight,
and in the next post I'm gonna flashback to our memorable hostel,
'Atlantic Point'.

Today's history of Liverpool to be continued.

The beginning of Odyssey

365days ago,
I just wake up from my late nap after finish watching Champions League final,
and I realize it's 3pm something.

My family members are coming home,
everyone seems like very busy and ask me has I prepared.

Some of them just finish schooling,
some of them take half day leave,
just because they want to send me to the airport.

For them,
this is a very historic date,
this is the day when they are proud of their son and brother,
seriously I can feel that in my heart.

I've been checking my passport, offer letter, banker draft and cash for the thousand times,
finally I get to put my luggage into my car.

Another huge hand luggage with Kinder Brueno's design is on my lap,
and a heavy laptop bag (wit laptop ofcoz) below my knees.

Ok, let's go.
First thing to do,
contact with my darling weisin.

She is on her way,
good to hear that.

The moment my dad take the exit to highway,
I can feel that my journey has began,
that's why everytime I drive thru that exit I will automatically think back to this moment.

Here I am in KLIA,
oh my luggage is damn heavy wei.

My sister is searching the luggage trolley for me,
I am stunned in the main entrance,
I don't know what to do.

My mum start searching the trolley for me as well,
me standing in the middle with luggage all over my arms,
I cant do anything.

My mind fly away to another place,
I duno where,
I just feel so.....mixed....yet I feel nothing.

When I go in to the terminal,
ya~ Terminal A~
it's all the way to the end.

First person I see is Derique,
the feeling of excitement is getting stronger,
frankly, if you asked me did I ever feel keberatan to say goodbye to my family at that moment,
my answer is NO.

More and more people are coming.
Friends and family are chatting.
Terminal A become our ABC2 territory.

And then I see Wei Sin,
phew.....
my Liverpool journey will be meaningless without her.

Now we are going to the counter,
check in our big luggage,
it's a long long Q,
and we see YuanChin and Seewei together.

Suddenly we realize we should have write down our Full name and contact number in the STA Travel slip, then tie it up to our luggage.
Ok, start to feel nervous ady.

Whatsoever, in the end we are both happy that we can sit together in the first flight to Abu Dhabi.

Ok, family time.
Everyone go to have their 'last supper' with family.

My family choice is KFC,
I got no mood to eat really, but my mum asked me to eat something first just in case.

Then I see Weixiang.
We met in the Q, then dont know why somehow we met in the toilet,
and I look into the mirror,
oh my passport pouch looks like a bra wei...

Ok, dinner time.
Not much of talking, just some regular but sincere advise.

Remember to do this,
remember to do that.

Then I went to candy shop to buy some chocolate and sweets,
there I met Alric,
as usual he did his arm-wrestle style handshake to me,
and I remember he told me that he gonna need a bubble gum during the flight.

Ok, go back to Terminal A.
People start taking picture.


thank you Liew family


our hair were so short, especially Derique and me,
this is absolutely classic!


After that, me and my family went to a quiet place and we start praying.
My sister lead the blessing prayer, how touch.
Glory to the Lord and thanks Lord for guiding me!

Ok ladies,
it is time,
let's move!

People start saying goodbye, hug and kiss.
I saw Weisin family, I saw Aiyin family, I saw See Yeong family, can't recall anymore.
I saw Eugene Yuin Yue Lydia and many many more.

We took the escalator go down,
we turn our head to behind and wave our hands.

Ok, put aside Duty Free Shop incident and fast fwd to the flight.
Here we are with Etihad Airway.

I just realize Paiwah also sit beside me,
how happy.

She is the one who maintain a stable friendship with me for the past four years,
it was so meaningful, it was so special.


Then we played interactive board games on the flight as well.


~This one is even more special~
She is Godsend (to me).


5pm MAS time, Eason Chan sing with me,
~天氣不似如期，但要走，總要飛~



A memorable picture in Abu Dhabi ,
MAS time 12am.


That's all for the emotional 28th May 2009.
Memories in Liverpool to be continued.

Let's going back to the start

'I am going back to the start'


Everytime I heard Coldplay sang this part,
I would think about those days in Liverpool.

Today is 28th May, such an emotional day for me, seriously,
just as how I felt last year in the same day.

Not because this is the day Manchester United were defeated by Barcelona in the Champions League Final, but this is the day me and my friends are ready to depart to Liverpool.

~28May2009~
This is the day we all should remember,
this is the day we made history.

Yeah!!!

How I wish I can go back to the start,
even if I knew that I have to suffer so much for the assignment loads,
I don't mind, because I am sure it is worth.

My memory in Liverpool is priceless,
no one can take that away from me,
it's in my heart.

Even if I have the chance to go back Liverpool one day in future,
I am sure the feeling is different and those days in Liverpool....it will never ever happen again.

Everyone tell me to look forward, yes I did,
but those days in Liverpool still never fade away, because I can't let go.

I have decided not to let go,
I have decided to become a person that doesnt move forward,
because of Liverpool.

Because I want to remember.
It's bittersweeet, and I like that.

No matter how suffer everytime I think back,
I still never regret for not letting it go.

Memory is cruel, especially those which is special.
It makes you remember, no matter good or bad,
that's the suffering part.

But memory also start fading away day by day,
and if you don't make yourself remember that,
it could disappear in the near future,
and that's another suffering part.

Whatsoever,
as I mentioned earlier,
I have decided not to let go and continue suffering,
because I am sure I wont regret.

The biggest lost in one life,
is not wasting your time to keep thinking about these old days,
but instead it's you yourself who tend to forget these old days.

Today onwards,
I will start writing Today's history in my blog,
particularly on what happened to me in UK 365days ago.

And now,
the time is 3am++,
365days ago I guess I am packing up my luggage thiz and that,
checking my mobile charger and battery all these stuff,
most important is Passport and Banker Draft and LJMU offer letter, some British pound in cash ofcourse.

I can't sleep on 365days ago,
I can't sleep tonight either.

The difference is,
I was so anticipate towards the UK journey with hope and excitement,
and I am so so so 'XXXXX' (out of my words to describe my feeling) right now.

Oh God,
dear God....

El Nino's future

When the players salute Anfield crowd in the last Liverpool home game this season,
Torres looks like a leaving man.

And I think to myself,

'thanks Liverpool, thanks Anfield, thanks Carlsberg, thanks Kop, thanks Chelsea fans' applause, and if Torres you would leave this summer I wont hate you'

Yes, it has been a heavy speculation and rumours saying that Torres could leave Anfield this summer after Liverpool failed to qualify Champions League.

For me, I always remain calm when I heard and read about this kinda negative news, whether it is true or not I always tell myself, as a fans, I cant do anything.

It is very understandable once a big team went thru a terrible season, their best players would slided into the transfer rumours.

But if Torres would leave, I wont blame him, definitely.
He is such a genius, and he is so talented, the most danger weapon ever since Gabriel Batistuta.

22goals in 33games, his productivity in such underdog situation and injury-plagued season is terrifying indeed.

In terms of percentage (22divide33, do your math), I bet Drogba and Rooney cant do that.

Which is why, everyone is talking about how high possibility is Torres could leave, because that would translate to a great news for Liverpool rival.

Chelsea seems impossible to get Torres, then the media start switching the focus to Spanish football, they just simply get excited just like their readers do.

As a fans, I cant make a clear statement for him and say, 'Torres wont leave'
But ofcourse, no ppl in Anfield want him to leave.

In fact, Liverpool owe him a huge apology for not being able to qualify in Champions League next season, I mean he came all the way from Madrid to Merseyside just because he want to play in a top-tier competition.

3years wait, but no one single-trophy he can lift.

The moment Athletico Madrid win the Europa League, I am sure Torres can imagine 'what would happen to me if I were still in Madrid'.

Let's think in a rational way, Torres could be leaving this summer, no joke.
Everyone can have their own choice, to pursue for their dream.

But nobody know what will happen in Anfield next season.
When Liverpool was crowned as the Cream of Europe in 2005, they also just went thru some silverware drought season.

This is the time for Torres to decide, and to show his commitment.
Most importantly, his patience.

Liverpool has been a weaker side in Premier League for the last 20years but they are always great in playing cup tie.
I am sure Torres would achieve something if he stay.

But still, if he leave, I wont blame him.
I wish him good luck, but please dont let me see him wearing the Blue Shirt, it's gotta be heartbreaking.

'Sorry Torres, we let you down.
Your goal-scoring record and effort proved that you shouldnt get the blame for this terrible season.'

After all, Torres never say that he is leaving anyway,
that's a fact.

So, media speculation to excite our Malaysian Man.U fans is undoubtful.
The intention of feeding and the willingness of getting fed are two inconvenient truth.

England captaincy

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has come out of international retirement to be part of Capello's 30-man provisional squad for next month's World Cup finals.

Personally I dun think tats a sensational news, ofcourse Carragher would be pleased to hear the recruitment, but whether he can qualify for the last 23men or not, this I am not really sure.

Liverpool English players had been underrated all these years, and it get worsen since the arrival of Steve McClaren, Carragher is the best example, that's why he quit national team in 2007.

Who in the world can make a fair decision to choose two centre defenders among Terry, Ferdinand, and Carragher?

But the sad thing for Carragher is, he has been neglected even during the earlier Sol Campbell's period.

McClaren insist to Manchesterdize the English national team proved that it was a mistake, and the failure to qualify European Championship proved him wrong.

Fabio Capello is well-known for his strict and demanding coaching style, his willingness to use non Big Four players is a fantastic break-out, and the comfortable qualification to 2010 World Cup proved that.

But since Terry take off his armband, one major question that everyone is talking about is, who will be the England skipper in S.Africa?

Ferdinand, or Gerrard?

As a Liverpool fans, if you asked me ofcourse I would prefer Gerrard because he has everything required to be a skipper.

Gerrard can attack and he can also defend, he control the midfield and he has the ability to boost up team morale.

But, this can only apply on Liverpool.

In England, he cant perform.
It's not his problem actualy, in fact it is the phenomenon that hinder his capability.

So, if you asked me,
who would be the better England skipper? I would say, Ferdinand, if not, Terry.

Gerrard? no way.

There are only three Liverpool players who are selected into England national team, in terms of percentage tat is actually accounted to 100% because Johnson, Carragher and Gerrard are the only three English players in Liverpool.

If Gerrard become the captain for England, I dont think he can earn a fair respect from his team mate because many players would thought that he do not deserved that as Liverpool has just went thru a horrible season.

How can a skipper of a club, who can only secure the 7th place in premier league, lead the national team to the glory road of S.Africa?

I believe that Gerrard is the best captain in the world, no one can give inspiration to the team and fans like he did.

But, he is definitely not a suitable captain for England. It's not gonna work, I really wish he can prove me wrong, I would be glad to see him lift up the World Cup as England captain.

Put aside Arsenal, who didnt contribute much for England squad these years, Chelsea and Manchester United both have some experienced captaincy level players like Terry and Lampard, Neville and Ferdinand. They are all good candidates for England captaincy, though Terry has given up.

But for the captain and vice-captain of Liverpool, Gerrard and Carragher, it's cruel and sad to accept the truth, but the whole phenomenon disallowed them to shine in national team.

And I say, 'Let it be, just do your duty if you're goin to S.Africa.'

So ya, Ferdinand is the most suitable player to take the captaincy in World Cup.
This I make myself very clear.

what would Liverpool do?

If one does not realize how important for Liverpool to lose their match tonight against Chelsea, they certainly do not truly understand the history of the city and their club rivalry.

If you wish Liverpool to win tonight, you are not a Liverpool fans.

This is a truth, that's why many Manchester United fans said, 'For the first in my life-time I will support Liverpool tonight'

And I say, 'For the first in my life-time I wish Liverpool to lose a game'

The only chance for Liverpool to rescue their terrible season, is to lose their game tonight at Anfield, this is indeed a very weird statement from a Liverpool fans like me, but in fact this is what Liverpool FC supporter from Merseyside wish to see.

It is true that Chelsea is the most competitive rival with Liverpool in Benitez era, their European clash is always massive.

But when we talk about football fierce rival, the hatred between Liverpool and Manchester United is much more serious.

And if you study the history of both city, their rival is not only because of football, but it can even trace back to the reformed industrial era when Liverpool was heavily rely on port industry.

I cant see a reason why Liverpool need to win tonight, if they did, I bet Ferguson wont thank them for that, and the fans, dont even think about that.

Ferguson swore that one day in future he would bring MU to be crowned as the best football club in England, they are so near at this moment.

And this is what Liverpool fans do not wish to see, definitely.

SinChew paper wrote on their headline stated, 利物浦沒有資格放水。
They use a very harsh word indeed.

But I questioned that,
Spurs and M.City victory lastnite has shown that Liverpool top4 dream is only mathematically possible.

With 2games in hand, I dont think Spurs will slip to Liverpool when they only need to get 1point.

Think about that Liverpool, what would you get even if you win Chelsea?
Ferguson and fans wont thank you, and the victory will not restore our dissapointment anyway.

So, I suggest Rafa to give up this game.
This is what I think from a stalwart point of view.

~NOW~
let's talk about this match in a rational point of view.

People has been talk about Liverpool's stand in this match, mainly because the media and press keep on raising this issue.

If we analyze Liverpool situation and form this season, it is fair enough to say that Liverpool could lose to Chelsea even if they make put full strength.

Nowadays, EPL is different.
When we talk about Big Team clash, playing at home doesnt give you advantage anymore.
That's why Arsenal was beaten by MU in Emirates and MU was beaten by Chealsea in Old Trafford.

This kinda result doesnt surprise me really.
So, even if Liverpool try hard tonight, they might lose to Chelsea.

Another thing which many people have been neglected,
would MU secure a victory againsnt Sunderland?
and what would happen in the 38th fixtures?

No one know.
So, tonight match is important and crucial, but not decisive.

Liverpool would has another reason to lose this match, not just because they want to stop MU, but also because of the financial issue.

We all know that the two bloody Americans are ready to sell the club this summer, THANK GOD!

But their offering price was 800million pound, if Liverpool cant qualify Champions League for the next season, the positive thing is that the club value will automatically decrease, and the new potential buyer has a reason to negotiate with current owners, which translate to about 500million pound.

Ofcourse, if Liverpool lose their top4 spot, they will lose the Champions League fund.
But who cares about those fund if Liverpool can find a new owner and he is willing to spend very very much more money than the American, and atleast see some progession on Stanley Park.

It is a terrible season for Liverpool, we cant find any excuse to them for not getting criticized.
This I agree.

But what I am saying here is that, Liverpool need a revive.
Lost the 4th spot this season and Champions League next season is a nightmare for Liverpool, because Torres will be the most dissapointed man, and he could leave.

However, what would Liverpool achieve even if they can play Champions League next season?
who can guarentee that they will win that trophy?

No offence, but look at Chelsea and Arsenal, they never fail to qualify all this while, but they never won the trophy, what is the point if you can play every year but you know you will end up in failure.

If you analyze the whole picture for Liverpool FC, what they really need today is money and a new owner, to revive.

Then, I am sure they will be back to top 4 next season.

Surprisingly, Ferguson and his fans praise Liverpool football in a pre-match talk, to boost up our morale and spirit.
This is a very good psychological war indeed.

If Liverpool win today, they will meet their target.
If Liverpool lose today, they might criticize their football.

But if Liverpool were to put reserve team tonight, Fergie cant blame anyone because he was the best example of this situation.

Years back, his purposely lost to Derby County, made their city rival Manchester City relegated.
Then, Ferguson also allow his disciple Bryan Robson to steal some points so that West Brom can survive.

So, if Liverpool lose tonight, whether they have to intention or not,
Ferguson and his fans has nothing to complain.

After all, Chelsea is a better side this season, I think they deserve the title.

heartbreaking Europa night

It was a heartbreaking night for the Reds at Anfield after Liverpool beat Atletico Madrid 2-1 on the night, but crashed out on away goals.

Liverpool's Europa League dream was cruelly brought to an end as Diego Forlan's extra-time strike saw Atletico Madrid progress into the final on the away goals rule.

Alberto Aquilani levelled up the tie with a well-taken volley. The 90minutes game ended in 1-0 and aggregate 1-1.

Benayoun put Liverpool ahead when the Israeli score the second goal for Reds in extra-time.

But the home side's joy was short, as Forlan easy goal tie the aggregate score at 2-2 and ensure it is Atletico who will contest the Europa League final.

I do not wish to find excuse for Liverpool's exit in Europa League.
But certainly there are many reasons, unlucky incidents happened that affect the match result, which Liverpool had experienced many times already in the entire season.

Frankly, after Fabregas's handball when Gerrard's last minute free-kick was taken in Emirates Stadium, I felt nothing anymore everytime bad decision go against Liverpool, such as Valencia's 'semi-diving' into the penalty box and Manchester United scored the equiliser penalty in Old Trafford.

The fact is, two Liverpool goals were taken away by the referee, first was Benayoun's break of offside trap in Vicente Calderon, another was Agger's header into the left bottom corner at Kop stand.

Two Liverpool goals were judged as offside, but to be honest it is not. In fact, Forlan's goal is more likely to be offside. I said more likely, because I wasnt 100% sure. But the two Liverpool disallowed goals, I am absolutely sure it was a wrong judgement, twice.

No anger, just dissapointment...seriously...this is what I felt after Liverpool exit.

Im proud of the team that night and the fans,
if you watched the match you will understand what Im saying.

The fans show their loyalty and present another fantastic European night atmosphere in Anfield.

And the team~
no complain at all.

Rafa put the strongest selection in starting line-up,
the problem is, he take off our goal scorers, but I understand that because a 120minutes game is indeed very very exhausting.

Liverpool play really well againt Atletico Madrid in Anfield, one of the best performance they ever present this season, they show their character and play their football, a unique Liverpool way.

Gerrard, Benayoun, and Aqua;s passing were fantastic, so smooth, so fluent, beautiful football.
There was a top-class moment before Aqua score the first goal, where the lads made a pin-ball movement and breakthru Madrid's defence, what a team work, it's been a while really, that's Liverpool football.

Too bad Gerrard didnt participate much on Liverpool attack that night, it's either he was getting exhausted or his midfield defensive burden was heavy.

Forlan's goal is very crucial, I wont blame on the goal scorer because he didnt dive and he never cheat, in fact I always like Forlan for his scoring ability under criticism.

But Forlan really made me heart-breaking, everything is under control and work in order, Liverpool was so near to make another Germany trip since Houllier's treble.

Ofcourse, if you asked me, I would say it was Johnson's fault because he always run to an unfamiliar position and he is being too offensive, hence neglected his defensive role.

The only thing I dont understand is the new UEFA rule, which allows the away goal in extra-time to be considered as an aggregate advantage.

I am not really sure when did UEFA change this rule, in fact I never realize that.
Many Liverpool fans still canot understand why we were knocked out of the cup.

Because according to the previous rule, away goals advantage only exist in two-legs 180minutes.
Liverpool lose 0-1 in Spain, and they equalize the aggregate in Anfield to 1-1.

So, when Benayoun and Forlan score in extra-time, the aggregate was 2-2 and the game was suppose to bring in into a penalty shoot-out, which we all know it was Liverpool favourite because they never lost in a penalty shoot-out for more than 10years.

So, why is Forlan's goal counted as an away goal?
I dont understand.

Maybe UEFA has changed their rule and I wasnt updated.
But even if they really did, I think this rule is very unfair for Liverpool because this will translate to Atletico Madrid has extra 30minutes to get a precious away goal.

Despite all this issue, not forget to mention Liverpool's Oddessey trip to Madrid because of Iceland's volcano ashes. All of these things I mentioned above, is not my excuse why Liverpool was being knocked out, in fact the team never blame on the plane issues.

But the thing is, Liverpool play a really fantastic football at Anfield that night, they seriously deserved to win, although the word ~deserved~ is always debatable.

After all, I feel heartbreaking on our Europa exit, but still,
I feel proud to become a Liverpool FC stalwart when I see the lads were trying so hard and give in everything.

You will never alone, never ever....
not even if you lose your place in Champions League,
not even if you lose your position to be named as Big Four,
not even if you relegate.

If you do, I would use online-streaming to watch your match.
YES i will, but I hope it wont happen lar ofcoz.