Liverpool Legend John Aldridge known as “Aldo” is remembered as one of Liverpool’s most natural goal scorers, but the striker has revealed that his departure from Anfield in 1989 left a “sour” taste because it was a move he never wanted to make.
For a player who spent only two and a half seasons with the Reds, Aldridge’s impact was extraordinary. A boyhood Kopite living his dream, he scored 60 goals in 92 appearances across the 1987/88 and 1988/89 campaign, winning a First Division title and an FA Cup. Yet despite being at the peak of his powers, he was sold to Real Sociedad as Ian Rush returned to reclaim the number nine shirt.
John Aldridge left Liverpool for Real Sociedad after just over two and a half seasons with the club. He had initially joined the Reds in January 1987, becoming a key player and fan favourite, particularly after the departure of Ian Rush. However, with Rush’s return and the subsequent rise of Peter Beardsley, the former striker found his first-team opportunities limited, leading him to seek a move to Spain
Speaking to Virgin Media Sport, he admitted he still doesn’t know why Kenny Dalglish decided to move him on.
“Not a clue, not a clue,” he said. “When Rushie came back he was a great player, my mate I was quite happy to fight for my place.”
Dalglish, however, had other plans.
“Kenny said: ‘You’re leaving. You’ve got to go because you’ll be sitting on your backside all season,’” Aldridge recalled.
“I thought it was strange with the two seasons I’d just had. I wasn’t happy, not happy at all.”
The final straw came in the week leading up to the 1989 Community Shield, when Liverpool’s first team faced the reserves in a practice match.
“I played for the B team and I put a right stint in scored as well,” Aldridge said. Afterwards I was told I had to play again that night against Stafford Rangers. I was knackered but I did it. I couldn’t sleep that night, so I went to see Kenny the next day. I walked into the office and told him a few home truths, which he probably wasn’t happy with. I respect the manager but I don’t respect having to play two games in one day as a 30-year-old. The writing was on the wall from there.”
It’s important to remember that Dalglish, along with the entire club, was still deeply affected by the aftermath of the Hillsborough disaster that year. But for the 66-year-old, the episode marked the beginning of the end.
His time in a Red shirt was short but prolific. Brought in as Rush’s replacement in January 1987, he hit the ground running and became a key figure alongside Peter Beardsley and John Barnes in one of Liverpool’s greatest-ever sides. In total, he scored 63 goals in 104 games for the club.
“I wanted to stay forever,” he admits. “I was ready to fight for my place, score another two or three dozen goals, and earn a new contract. But Kenny said no. You’re leaving.”
In September 1989, he became the first non-Basque player to sign for Real Sociedad, beginning a new chapter in Spain. But his love for Liverpool never faded.
Before leaving, Aldridge was given one final moment at Anfield. Substituted on during Liverpool’s famous 9-0 win over Crystal Palace, he scored from the penalty spot and was overwhelmed by emotion.
“When I ran off, that was one of the most emotional moments of my life,” he said. “I had to lock myself in the toilets and calm myself down a little bit because I knew it was all over for me.”
Despite the disappointment, Aldridge’s contribution remains undiminished. His goals, passion and connection with supporters have ensured that he is still remembered as a true Liverpool legend – a boyhood fan who lived his dream, even if it ended sooner than he wished
