If Carragher leaves Anfield, he should go with everyone's best wishes

By Richard Buxton in Liverpool Fans Blog

Published 11:53 08/03/10

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Jamie Carragher's comments about being unfazed over the prospect of leaving Liverpool in the pursuit of first-team football has, understandably, divided opinion amongst supporters.

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The veteran defender is all too aware that a footballer's career at the highest level is very short and no doubt wants to have as much playing time, whether it is at Anfield or not, before he hangs up his boots for good.

Most fans know that Carragher is a man who wears his heart on his sleeve at all times and the Sunday newspaper interview, published 24 hours before his team's trip to Wigan, gives a very typical account of the vice captain.

The 32-year-old has been a true asset to the club for the 14 years he has donned the famous red shirt, and will no doubt go down in history as one of their most loyal servants, making the condemnation of him by some Kopites over his comments all the more baffling.

Last year Sami Hyypia left the club after a decade of unwavering service because he wanted to prolong his playing career at the highest level and did so with a fond farewell. So why have Carragher's comments been met with such derision?

The only difference between the pair is that Carragher, unlike Hyypia, has been more forthright in confronting the possibility of having to look elsewhere. But that's who Carragher is - a no-nonsense Scouser from Bootle who doesn't hold back on his views.

Although it could be argued that 'Carra' could have articulated his views better, it would not be in keeping with the man who has always tackled games and issues head-on. However, this is not the first time he has made noises about leaving Merseyside.

Last month he revealed that he would rather end his career in the MLS than be on the sidelines for Liverpool - Hyypia's reason for trading the Premier League for the Bundesliga.

Carragher may possess all the traits of a modern day Gerry Byrne but some will see his going public while his future at the club remains undecided as a cardinal sin and a contradiction of the ‘Liverpool way’.

But he should not be vilified for wanting to better himself after a lifetime of loyalty to Liverpool Football Club. To hear some supporters berate him, you could be forgiven for thinking that he had entertained the idea of moving to Chelsea twice in as many years.

If he were to leave when his current deal expires next summer, he will no doubt do so with the blessing of the Anfield faithful. It would also be a true mark of the man if he repeated the actions of Hyypia and refused to be a bit-part player by moving onto pastures new.

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