Graeme Souness, the former Liverpool captain who won five league titles and three European Cups, has spoken candidly about his career, his reputation as a hardman, and his admiration for the Queen. In an interview with Sportsmail, the 62-year-old Scot reflected on his playing days and the moments that defined him.
Souness said he never encouraged his 'tough guy' image and resents that it is the first thing people mention. 'I haven't won what I've won by just being an aggressive footballer,' he said. 'You were allowed to be a lot more physical and every team had several tough guys. But I would like to think I had more to my game than that.'
He singled out the 1984 European Cup final against Roma as the match he would most like to relive. Playing in the Stadio Olimpico, Liverpool were not expected to win, but Souness recalled the moment in the tunnel when the team began singing the Chris Rea song 'I Don't Know What It Is But I Love It'. 'That's when you could see the fear in their faces,' he said.
On his home life, Souness revealed that a bronze statue of him planting the Galatasaray flag on the pitch at Fenerbahce sits in his TV lounge, a gift from a Turkish friend. He also spoke of his love for gardening, describing himself as a 'straight-line man' who cuts his lawn meticulously.
Souness named Kenny Dalglish as the best British player he ever played with, praising his football brain and technique. The two roomed together and would fall out regularly, but only for 30 seconds. He also expressed his admiration for the Queen, saying he would take her for a gin and tonic in the pub. 'I'm a royalist and admire what she represents, though I imagine she's full of mischief,' he said.
Reflecting on his heart problems, Souness admitted they have affected his life enormously, but he continues to work in the media. He also named Andy Murray as Britain's greatest ever sportsman, citing the mental toughness required in individual sport.
