'Rome penalty was my pinnacle'

4th Dec 2012 - Latest News

Ian Rush has described the spot-kick he converted in the 1984 European Cup final and the Reds' penalty shoot-out triumph over Roma as the pinnacle of his career.

rush, ian rush

The Welshman overcame the hostile atmosphere at the Italians' Stadio Olimpico home to find the target from 12 yards and allow Alan Kennedy to secure Liverpool's fourth continental title.

And the former striker, who notched 346 goals during two spells at Anfield, revealed to FourFourTwo that his penalty 28 years ago remains a personal highlight.

"The 1983-84 season was my best," he said of a campaign which also included a league championship and a League Cup trophy for the side and a European golden boot for Rush.

"I scored 49, but I tell people I got 50 because I count this penalty as the hardest one of all. Everyone remembers that match going to penalties.

"Steve Nicol strode up to take the first one without it even being discussed, and he missed. We all thought we'd lost - and that took the pressure off.

"We drew level and it was my kick. Walking up being jeered was the most daunting moment of my career. I had time to think, which I don't like!

"But I'd noticed their 'keeper kept going the same way. I saw him move, so I sidefooted it the other way.

"What a relief. It was the pinnacle of my career."

Author: @shawct
Tagged: european cup , 1984 , ian rush , rush





Comments

Submit your views in the box below. Alternatively, you can debate these issues with fellow fans on our Message Boards or blog about them on The Kop

The views expressed here are not those of Liverpool Football Club (read more)


You must be over thirteen years of age to post a commment

You must have set a nickname to post a comment.
Click here to set your nickname.

Sorry, comments are closed for this article.

Sorry, new comments are closed for this article.

You must accept the Terms & Conditions before posting a comment
Make a comment on this article
By submitting this comment I confirm I am over 13 and that my post abides by the rules of the The Kop (read more)
You must be fully logged in to post comments.
You must login to post comments.
For me this was Liverpools greatest night. We beat at world class team that day, probably the best team we have ever beaten and on their own ground. Liverpool played very well that night, Whelan was immense
WhelanR
4th Dec 2012 13:19
Report Abuse