Houllier: Carra deserved more
Gerard Houllier believes Jamie Carragher has deserved more recognition for his technical ability down the years.
The 35-year-old has often cited Houllier as being the manager who had the biggest influence on his career - and now he is retiring, Houllier has taken the opportunity to return the compliment.
The Frenchman - who managed Carragher between 1998 and 2004 - told Liverpoolfc.com: "Sometimes they underrated his technique and skill. Carra is not only a good reader of the game but also very skilful with the use of the ball.
"Because he puts 100 per cent effort in all of the time sometimes he would make a mistake, but he just goes for it.
"He was an international player, probably not as glamorous as some others, but he was at least as efficient as them."
Carragher played as a full-back through much of the Houllier era before being transformed into a central defender by Rafael Benitez.
Houllier added: "He started playing at left-back for me. He improved a lot. I always told him that big centre-backs usually start playing in the left or right-back position.
"It probably gave him a good reading of the game and he could use the ball. He started playing at Liverpool as a defensive midfield player but wherever you played him you got 100 per cent, even more. He was a true leader.
"He never gives up and whatever the score was he was always there and probably allowed us to make some comebacks in a game."
Carragher will be remembered by supporters as a defender who overcame cramp to help keep out AC Milan, as a vice-captain whose leadership could be heard over 45,000 fans, as a stalwart who appeared more times for the club than almost anyone else, and a man who played a key part in re-establishing Liverpool as a European force.
But how will Houllier, who established such a bond with Carragher, remember him?
"His effort is fantastic, he is a competitor and he always liked to have a bit of a race and be better than the other one in training," said the 65-year-old.
"His worth ethic is fantastic and he is, as you know, a very loyal person - loyal to his friends, loyal to his family, loyal to the fans, loyal to the club, which is something that's not very usual now.
"He brought trophies to the club and he also brought heart. Carra is a true Liverpool warrior.
"He is someone who is always happy. His personality, which is always open and really funny, goes well with the town and the fans of the club.
"I also like his generosity. I mean, not many people know how generous he can be. When he had his testimonial he gave all of the money to charity. For the community and for the fans he is someone who is very open and very generous.
"To me and last but not least his sense of humour, because when Carra is around there's always a laugh and there's always a joke going round and he has a great sense of humour - a Scouse sense of humour."
A new documentary featuring Jamie Carragher's managers, teammates and some high-profile opponents airs for the first time at 7pm BST on Friday, May 24 on LFC TV. 'Carragher' will also be available on LFC TV Online and will conclude a fortnight of tributes across club media.