Jonjo: I just think he's incredible
Jonjo Shelvey has spoke of his admiration for Jamie Carragher and thanked the 35-year-old for helping him settle at Anfield as the Kop legend prepares to retire from the game.
Bootle's finest will bring an end to his illustrious career in an emotional finale on Sunday against Queens Park Rangers, when he plays his 737th and final game in a red shirt.
Reflecting on the impact Carragher has had on him since he joined the club from Charlton in 2010, Shelvey insisted the centre-back is the perfect role model for any aspiring professional to look up to.
"I think he's incredible," Shelvey told LFC TV's new 'Carragher' documentary.
"When you move to a club like Liverpool the first two people you think of are Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher. They are the heart and soul of this club and what Carra has done, playing that many games for one of the biggest clubs in the world, it goes without saying how world class he is.
"I was on my way into training on Wednesday and saw on my phone Thierry Henry saying something about Carra. When you have people like that giving a tribute then you know he is one of the best centre-backs in the world.
"On the pitch you know what he's like - he's loud, noisy and in your ear, but off the pitch he's just a nice man.
"He treats you as one of the senior pros and he's always happy to talk to you. It took me a little while to understand his strong Scouse accent when I first arrived but I've got it now!"
Asked what makes Carragher stand out above other players, Shelvey added: "It's because he's so professional.
"When you look at his physique he just eats, sleeps and drinks football and when you do that to the level that he has, that's why he's carved out so many games in the Premier League and he's deserved it."
Over the years, many players have been on the receiving end of a famous Carra tongue-lashing when things are not going well in a game.
So, has Shelvey ever fallen foul of the vice-captain?
"Not really," he smiled.
"He's shouted my name out and things like that but he's never really given me a hammering on the pitch.
"You can hear him talking on the pitch and you can even hear him shouting to the manager because he's that loud.
"It's a shame he's retiring because since he's been back in the team for the last three months he has been outstanding for Liverpool and I'm sure the manager will keep on at him during the summer to keep him on!"
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.
