Global LFC Family: Mexico

Name: Victor Alvarado
Age: 35
City / country: Distrito Federal, Mexico
Job: Sports Marketing manager, Mexican FA

Why did you pick Liverpool as your team?

I like clubs that inspire passion and have unique rituals with fans that are totally committed to their club. Liverpool have all that - more than any other club.

What's your earliest LFC memory?

Unfortunately, my first Liverpool memory was the Heysel tragedy in 1985 and later the arrival of Kenny Dalglish as manager. It was around that time that I became a fan of the team.

Who was your first LFC hero and why?

That's a very complicated question. I would say that I really liked Ian Rush and John Barnes. Also Michael Owen and Robbie Fowler after a while, but my all-time favourite Liverpool player is Steven Gerrard - the world's most complete player.

What is your favourite LFC memory?

Istanbul, undoubtedly. I think that game reflects everything Liverpool FC is.

Who has been your favourite Liverpool manager and why?

There have been so many different managers who have all achieved different things but I think Rafa Benitez gave a different face to the team. He led the team to great heights with an attractive style, very modern and not what the watching world would call the 'English style'. He was able to harness the talent of the players and control games.

What has been your lowest point supporting Liverpool?

There is not one moment. We may feel worried, angry or even have doubts about the way the club is going from time to time but we never give up on this club. This team never walks alone.

Have you ever been to Anfield?

No, it's a dream and a goal I hope to accomplish this year. Experiencing a game at Anfield is something I think about all the time and if I achieve it, I'd love to meet the great captain, Steven Gerrard.

Where were you while we were in Istanbul?

I was in Monterrey (northern Mexico) and it really was a magical moment. I remember vividly that I was watching the game and my emotions kept changing. I was surprised when we went behind, had doubts we would come back, feared we would be humiliated, sad that our journey to the final was over at half-time, I had hope when Gerrard scored, there was joy when Dudek saved the penalty and then utter madness! To come back from 3-0 down showed the heart of the team and showed great determination - things that I identify with. That day we lived out not only a great sports story but received a lesson in life.

Do Liverpool have a passionate fan base where you're from?

Liverpool must be the fifth or sixth biggest foreign club for Mexican fans. The teams who are the most popular have Mexican players in their squads. However, even without a Mexican player, Liverpool as a team is recognised and respected for its history. People in Mexico are well aware of Liverpool's history and its trajectory. Liverpool FC in Mexico are considered a global club of great tradition.

Which team are considered Liverpool's biggest rivals in your country?

Manchester United and Everton.

Where do you go online to follow news about LFC?

Obviously the club's official site and digital media are the first places I go. Liverpool are doing an outstanding job on the social networks - I even downloaded the mobile applications. I try to follow the official Twitter accounts - the English language and Spanish language ones - and also some accounts of the fans.

Do you also support a local team?

I support Mexico's national team and also the Tigres de la UANL, who have the passion that I also identify with Liverpool FC.

Who is your favourite current player and why?

Steven Gerrard. He is one of the few players in the world that has the power to support the weight of an entire team. He is a very technical player who can defend very well and knows how to attack. The most important thing is how he builds the game - he gives balance to the team and also inspires them. He is a great example of a modern footballer. I don't think his values have been fully appreciated as there are players who are known as world stars but in complicated situations they are not able to get their team forward.

If you could meet anyone connected to Liverpool FC - past or present - who would it be and why?

Wow, what a question! Surely Steven Gerrard, but also Kenny Dalglish, Robbie Fowler, Michael Owen, John Aldridge, Ian Rush...there are so many. Luis Garcia plays here in Mexico and I hope to meet him soon.

What makes you most proud to be a Liverpool supporter?

YNWA - it's the essence of this team. I think Liverpool FC can be summed up by two statements: 'This is Anfield' and 'You'll Never Walk Alone'.

Finally, what does 'the Liverpool way' mean to you?

It means knowing that there will always be someone to support you. The passion that you have for the things we do in life always has a reward. There will be times when the goals we have will be achieved, sometimes they won't be but the team and the fans will always make ​​the greatest effort and will never surrender. It means having the courage and commitment to follow your goals through over and over again. It inspires and it reflects a lifestyle - sacrifice, hard work and a daily struggle to enhance your life.

To follow @LFCEspanol - Liverpool FC's Spanish-language Twitter account - click here>>

Check out earlier interviews from our Global LFC Family series:

South Africa - Melissa Reddy>>

Thailand - Jeerawan Duangnam Herriot>> 

Australia - Wayne Psaila>>