Gary Neville recalls Liverpool and Arsenal rivalry during Indian visit

Former Manchester United and England defender Gary Neville recalled the famous Liverpool and Arsenal rivalry on his recent visit to India.

Neville, who spent his entire playing career at Old Trafford before calling quits last year is fondly remembered by the Red Devils for his unquestionable commitment and fiery temper on the pitch. In a particular incident, Gary ran across the entire length of the pitch to celebrate a goal in front of Liverpool fans, a gesture for which he was later fined by the Football Association.

Neville in Mumbai, playing with the kids at Manchester United Soccer School

At the Manchester United Cafe in Mumbai, Neville said about his hatred for Liverpool:

“Its origins are during an interview when I was rather young and naive. I started supporting United as a lad of five and that was the time where Liverpool were winning everything. I said I hated the fact they won everything. The papers picked up what they had to and the rest, as they say, is history.”

Recalling another incident that ended up with United captain Roy Keane and Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira publicly fighting it out in the tunnel, Neville said:

“I and my brother (Phil) had played a charged last game with Arsenal and Vieira came and told me I wasn’t going to tackle any of his players. I obviously said otherwise. The next thing he does is squirt water at me from a bottle and catch Roy Keane in the ‘crossfire’. Then it was over them and Keane had quite a temper!”

Manchester United are currently second in the premier league, 3 points behind league leaders and arch-rivals Manchester City. But Neville is assured that the Red Devils have the grit to challenge for the title.

“It is still January. There is a lot to play yet. There are four more months. March, April and May are the most important months. At January, you are baking your cake and waiting to eat it. I remember we have been 10 points behind Arsenal in December and gone to win the title.”

United’s midfield injury crisis has forced Sir Alex to talk Paul Scholes out of retirement, a move that has earned mixed response from former players and pundits. A few have already started contemplating that Fergie’s time at Old Trafford is nearing retirement and that the Scotsman might actually step down at the end of the season. However, Neville is convinced that the gaffer is going nowhere anytime soon.

“You cannot plan for Sir Alex Ferguson finishing. I honestly don’t see him finishing. His mentality and person hasn’t changed in the last 5-10 years. He is still the same man. He is healthy. He’s the kind of manager that builds exciting teams. He would never let a squad grow old together. He’s always bringing changes every two years.”

Speaking about the famous “hairdryer” treatment, Neville said:

“I used to get it two or three times a season. He comes really alive during the big games and when you don’t end up performing according to the standards he sets, he won’t tolerate it. The only time he will truly be recognized is the day he leaves.”