'If it goes to penalties, I'm not coming on stage!'

For Liverpool fans across the world, this week is all about ensuring that plans to watch the Champions League final on May 26 are firmly in place.

Whether making the pilgrimage to Kiev or simply securing the best spot to cheer on the Reds from afar, supporters won't allow anything to get in the way of them taking in the clash with Real Madrid.

But if you're a popular hip-hop musician with a packed touring schedule, that isn't exactly a straightforward process, as Loyle Carner explained to Liverpoolfc.com ahead of the big game.

He said: "For the Champions League final, we're playing in Leeds.

"I think I've managed to push my set time back a little and I've found a spot next to the festival where I can watch the game with some of the people from the festival.

"But if it goes to penalties, I'm not coming on stage!

"Or I might bring it out on the laptop... but I have to watch that game."

A south London native raised by a Manchester United-supporting father and a mother loyal to Crystal Palace, Carner describes the start of his love affair with Liverpool as an act of 'teenage rebellion'.

But the 2017 Mercury Prize nominee's attachment to the Reds was also stoked by their status as underdogs during his youth, and the incredible exploits of one of the club's former strikers.

He added: "My dad was a United fan. I followed them since I was really, really young, but for as long as I remember I've been winding my dad up about Liverpool.

"He bought me a shirt and wanted me to support them but I guess it's just like teenage rebellion or whatever! 

"Manchester United never excited me and at the time, when I was younger, Liverpool were a bit of an underdog.

"And Michael Owen, he was so small, so talented, he won the Ballon d'Or. Before it was just Messi and Ronaldo, other players were able make a mark. 

"He was one of my heroes."

Despite this lifelong affection for the Reds, distance, cost and a budding music career combined to keep the 23-year-old from visiting Anfield before this season.

But, when he finally made the trip, it was more than worth the wait.

He continued: "I didn't get a chance to go and watch a game until last year because I could never afford to.

"And once I got the money to go up there when I started making music, I didn't have the time, so I never really had the chance.

"But I went to see the Merseyside derby this season; [it was] magic, like coming home.

"I'd never been to a ground before and been surrounded by like-minded individuals. 'You'll Never Walk Alone' at the beginning brought me to tears, it's special."

When Carner refers to being among 'like-minded individuals' at Anfield, he is no doubt referring to a crowd that admires Jürgen Klopp just as much as he does.

Asked about the boss, he enthused: "I love him, I really love him. There's something special about him and he's brought a hope.

"It's not just professionally, as a human being, he's so friendly, he's funny. He is Liverpool.

"He has come and brought this style of football where we're all about attack, all about skill - it's exciting again."

He also has a soft spot for local hero Trent Alexander-Arnold - and harbours a touch of envy over the life the teenager leads.

"Alexander-Arnold reminds me of Gerrard," he added. 

"He supports the club, been there his whole life, and now he's getting the chance to play - and he looks like me a bit as well!

"He's living my dream. I'd love to meet him at some point."

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