Ali Al-Hamadi has revealed just how much he adores Steven Gerrard after growing up in Liverpool.
Ali Al-Hamadi was born in Iraq, but he moved to Toxteth, Liverpool, at the age of one, due to the beginning of the war in his home nation.
As a result of this move, Al-Hamadi became a Liverpool supporter and was almost recruited by the Reds during his teenage years.
Both Liverpool and Everton had the forward on their radar, but in the end he joined fellow Merseyside club Tranmere Rovers.
However, this did not stop Al-Hamadi from admiring Liverpool, along with his favourite player Steven Gerrard.
In fact, the 23-year-old has revealed that he loved Gerrard so much that he wishes the former Liverpool captain was his father.
“I wish Steven Gerrard was my dad, that’s how much I loved him when I was younger, I was just like so obsessed with Gerrard,” Al-Hamidi jokingly told The National News.
“Obviously dad I’m joking, don’t take that to heart. Honestly, my dad’s an amazing man. He’s helped me a lot and the sacrifices he made, as well as my mum, so many sacrifices to be able to allow me to do what I do.”
Al-Hamidi’s dad, Ibrahim, did not have an easy start to fatherhood. During his studies to become a lawyer, he was arrested for his involvement in a peaceful protest against Saddam Hussein, his country’s leader. It was for this reason that Ibrahim did not meet his son until he was a year and four months old.
The family was reunited and Ibrahim is now the proud father of an English Football League striker.
Al-Hamidi is currently on loan at Luton Town from Ipswich, with the Hatters looking to win promotion back to the Championship. They are currently ninth in the league, but just three points off the play-off spots.
He is also hoping to be competing at next year’s World Cup, with Iraq set to face the United Arab Emirates next month for the final Asian qualifying spot.
