Ryan Babel has spoken to the ECHO in an exclusive interview about his time at Liverpool, as he returned to the city for the Game4Hope charity match. The former Reds forward said the city means a lot to him because it was where he learned to become a man and mature.
Learning to mature in Liverpool
Babel was one of the hottest prospects in Europe when he joined Liverpool in 2007. The forward was just 20 years old when he was signed by Rafael Benitez from Ajax. He enjoyed four years at Anfield, which included special moments such as a late winner against Manchester United and a memorable stoppage time goal in a Champions League quarter final classic against Arsenal.
But the city will always have an important place in Babel's heart for reasons away from football, as it was the first time he lived away from his family in Amsterdam. Speaking to the ECHO, the 39-year-old said: "I would say the city means a lot to me because here is where I had to learn to become a man and mature. I was outside of my hometown, Amsterdam and here's where I realised I have to step it up. I have to take responsibility."
"Of course, that went with ups and down, but I guess Liverpool made me a young adult."
Returning for Game4Hope
Babel returned to the region this weekend to take part in the Game4Hope, which was in aid of Everton in the Community and homelessness charity, Shelter. The Dutchman was part of a Team Merseyside that ran out 3-2 winners after a late winner from Everton legend Leighton Baines. However, the cause was the most important thing of the day and Babel was privileged to give up some of his time for charity.
He said: "It's an honour to be thought of. They invited me to be a part of something charitable and you always want to be involved in these events. I still love football so much. I've been retired for two years so I was very happy to say yes."
In addition to Baines, Babel was sharing the pitch with other Blues players such as Tim Cahill and Phil Jagielka. He said the way the two teams united in aid of charity sums up the togetherness he loved so much about the city during his time living here.
Healthy rivalry and Scouse culture
He said: "There was always rivalry, but I liked the healthy rivalry between Liverpool and Everton. You have a lot of families in the city who are divided by Liverpool and Everton without being violent or dangerous. They say they don't like each other but they can still live amongst each other. That's very special and beautiful to see."
"Such events like this that, I, as a Liverpool player can be invited for an event at Everton Stadium shows how united this city and the people are here." Babel threw himself into the culture when he joined 19 years ago and said he soon got up to speed with the Scouse accent.
He said: "I had to get used to it in the first few months. Eventually I almost started to talk like a Scouser. I would always use the word knackered."
Dutch lineage and retirement
Babel departed the club in 2011, but he is proud to see the way the club have carried on a rich vein of Dutch lineage with Virgil van Dijk, Cody Gakpo, Ryan Gravenberch and Jeremie Frimpong all part of the current Reds squad. He said: "It's special and they've taken it to the next level. Many of those guys are now longer at the city than myself. I was there a short four years. When they joined I was very happy to see fellow Dutchman join the club and enjoy this beautiful city."
Babel announced his retirement from football two years ago and is now looking forward to the future as he explores a variety of artistic ventures. He said: "I am still in discovery mode. I would do a lot, but at the same time, I'm not doing anything. I would always do that. I'm involved with a lot of different things, but these are not necessarily things that require my attention every day, all day. I'm still looking around. For the past year, I'm into creative art direction a lot. Photography is one of those things that I explore. You never know."
