Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard experienced for himself the bitter nature of the tragedy that occurred at Sheffield Wednesday's Hillsborough Stadium 20 years, when 96 fans died in a crush at the FA Cup semi-final between the Merseyside outfit and Nottingham Forest.
Gerrard's own cousin John-Paul was one of those who tragically lost their life that day, and he remembered receiving the terrible news of his death when discussing the tragedy with Liverpool's official website, and how it had driven him on to become the outstanding player he is today.
"I was still a baby. I was only nine years old at the time so I only have small memories from back then. But I've learned more about the actual events as I've got older," he explained.
"I was really shocked and deeply saddened when I watched the scenes live. I was completely and utterly shocked, whilst wondering if there was anyone we knew personally at the game.
"It was exactly the same for every Liverpool fan at the time because I'm sure everyone was wondering if they knew anyone who was at the game too. I remember going to bed that night, lying there praying, and keeping my fingers crossed that it didn't get any worse than what we had already heard.
"Unfortunately for myself and my family we got the dreaded knock the next morning to say that a member of our family was at the game and had been tragically killed.
"Obviously it was a difficult time to know that one of your cousins had been at the game and had been tragically crushed. Seeing the reaction of his Mum, Dad and family helped drive me on to become the player I have developed into today."
Gerrard went on to highlight the central place the tragedy now occupies in the history of both the city of Liverpool and Liverpool FC, and emphasised that the memory would not be forgotten, as he expressed his admiration for the way in which the families of the victims have conducted themselves over the last 20 years.
"It is central and very important to this club," he said.
"The 96 will never ever be forgotten, and nor will the people that got hurt. But it is important these people get remembered individually and not just as the number 96.
"This club has fought for justice ever since and will continue to do so. We have stuck together since that day, like we always do here and that shows what kind of football club we are, sticking by each other when times are tough. We are not just about what happens on the pitch but we are all one off it as well.
"They [the victims' families] have behaved impeccably and the club are very proud of them and the way they have handled this tragedy. The players will continue to be a support for them, I can guarantee that."
Gerrard's own cousin John-Paul was one of those who tragically lost their life that day, and he remembered receiving the terrible news of his death when discussing the tragedy with Liverpool's official website, and how it had driven him on to become the outstanding player he is today.
"I was still a baby. I was only nine years old at the time so I only have small memories from back then. But I've learned more about the actual events as I've got older," he explained.
"I was really shocked and deeply saddened when I watched the scenes live. I was completely and utterly shocked, whilst wondering if there was anyone we knew personally at the game.
"It was exactly the same for every Liverpool fan at the time because I'm sure everyone was wondering if they knew anyone who was at the game too. I remember going to bed that night, lying there praying, and keeping my fingers crossed that it didn't get any worse than what we had already heard.
"Unfortunately for myself and my family we got the dreaded knock the next morning to say that a member of our family was at the game and had been tragically killed.
"Obviously it was a difficult time to know that one of your cousins had been at the game and had been tragically crushed. Seeing the reaction of his Mum, Dad and family helped drive me on to become the player I have developed into today."
Gerrard went on to highlight the central place the tragedy now occupies in the history of both the city of Liverpool and Liverpool FC, and emphasised that the memory would not be forgotten, as he expressed his admiration for the way in which the families of the victims have conducted themselves over the last 20 years.
"It is central and very important to this club," he said.
"The 96 will never ever be forgotten, and nor will the people that got hurt. But it is important these people get remembered individually and not just as the number 96.
"This club has fought for justice ever since and will continue to do so. We have stuck together since that day, like we always do here and that shows what kind of football club we are, sticking by each other when times are tough. We are not just about what happens on the pitch but we are all one off it as well.
"They [the victims' families] have behaved impeccably and the club are very proud of them and the way they have handled this tragedy. The players will continue to be a support for them, I can guarantee that."
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