Jason McAteer reminisces about the time he turned down the opportunity to join U2 on stage in order to go for a celebratory drink with John Aldridge as he answers questions posed by followers of @LFC.
We sat down with the former Reds midfielder in Kuala Lumpur, where McAteer was touring with a team of Liverpool legends.
He answered the queries submitted by fans via Twitter and you can read a full transcript of the Q&A below.
Jason, what was your happiest moment in a red shirt?
There are a lot of memorable games but I think my happiest Liverpool moment was signing the contract. As a Liverpool fan, growing up all you wanted to do was play for the club and you never think that you are going to get the opportunity. But then the phone goes and it's Liverpool asking you to sign - it's a dream come true and I really don't think that moment can be topped.
Where do you think Liverpool will be in five years' time?
I hope that they are sitting at the top of the Premier League playing Champions League football. That's where I would like to see them. The club is in a transitional period - we've got a young manager and a nice mix of young players and older, more experienced players at the moment. Hopefully the experience that the younger players have got from this season will take them through to being able to compete at the top and play top European football.
How did you feel when Bono from U2 wrapped himself in the Irish flag during a concert and said: "Close your eyes and imagine that I am Jason McAteer"?
It was a nice moment. It was when I scored a goal against Holland for Ireland in a World Cup qualifier. U2 were live in Slane Castle and they had put big screens up with the match on before they came out to sing at their concert. Bono has been quoted as saying we were the best warm-up act they've ever had because when they came out, the fans were having such a good time because we had won and there was a big celebration going on. Bono and the lads were really happy.
After the game I got a phone call from Bono asking would I go down to Slane and come on stage. Unfortunately I couldn't make it because I'd arranged to go out with John Aldridge. To be fair, though, at the time I thought the phone call was a bit of a wind-up and I didn't think it was him. Then I watched the DVD of the concert and Bono comes out and wraps the flag around him and shouts my name in appreciation for what happened. I believe that the plan was for me to walk out onto stage at that moment but instead I was in a bar with Aldo! So I regret not going because I think it would behave been a fantastic moment.
Who was your favourite playing partner when you were at Liverpool?
Robbie Fowler. No question. Even out here at the Masters, you can see it - he's just so instinctive and his angles for scoring goals are just amazing. He's fantastic, he's got so much knowledge and instinct that he just doesn't have to think about what he's doing. He's probably the most gifted, natural striker that I have ever played with and who has ever played in the Premier League.
You've been in Indonesia recently playing in a Masters tournament. How do you feel about Indonesian fans and how did you find the experience?
It was unbelievable. I've come over to this side of the world plenty of times now. So it wasn't something that I was unaccustomed to. But what does surprise me is how many fans we still have around the world. Liverpool have not won the league title for 23 years and Champions League football was a few years ago now. Yet the brand and the club is still massive. I think it's important that Liverpool invest in this side of the world and that we don't forget about our fans here. Even if it's the legends or the first team coming over here or in any capacity, I think the club needs to be over here at times to keep the fanbase strong. It's so important that we come here and show our appreciation.
How much does Liverpool mean to you?
When I was a player it meant absolutely everything but your life changes and I'm 41 now and I have a child, so things do change. In terms of sport and my job I'm still a massive Liverpool fan. If I'm being really honest, I'd have to say that, in life, it's still up there but it's probably not as important anymore.
Do you think Joe Hart does a better job than you on Head and Shoulders adverts?
Well I was Wash 'n' Go actually and he is Head and Shoulders! When we were playing, the advertising and the magazines meant that there was more money coming into the game. When that happens, people and companies want you to advertise their products. So in fairness to him, Joe is not doing anything that wasn't happening 25 years ago. But, yeah, good luck to him - he's doing okay.
Who's the best striker: Fowler or Torres?
For me it has to be Robbie but I'd love to have seen them play together because I think that they would have been the perfect partnership. Fernando had the best spell of his career at Liverpool and looked the happiest. I don't think he's at the right club at the moment, I don't think it suits his game and I think his game suffers. Robbie is a stronger character but when Torres is on form, he can score great goals. And his pace and directness would have suited Robbie perfectly well. So it's a shame we never got to see them play together.
Were you surprised by Kvarme's player of the tournament performance in Malaysia on Sunday?
Yes! Actually, no. In fairness, Bjorn keeps himself fit. He's a great lad. We've had a few Scandinavians at the club and he's certainly one that impressed when he played. He's extremely professional about his attitude. Even here, out in Kuala Lumpur, he's been in the gym every day. He warms up for the Masters tournaments properly and even wears his shinpads. I think he looks at us when we just rock up and play and shakes his head. He probably had a pre-match meal and went to bed early the night before, but each to their own. He played extremely well in the Masters tournament. I think you need a player like that. It's not all about scoring goals in these games, it's about being able to defend as well and he's got that in abundance. He played a major part in us winning the tournament.
Any regrets?
There's not many things that I regret in football. There's things that I would change but I don't really regret much. I'd probably have to go back to what I said before - I'm still gutted to this day I didn't go along to the U2 concert!
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