Melbourne's joy at LFC visit
The Premier of Victoria today welcomed the arrival of Liverpool Football Club to Australia and insisted: 'This will be one of the great sporting occasions in Melbourne.'
The Reds touched down in Oz on Sunday evening to begin their first ever visit to the country ahead of Wednesday's clash with Melbourne Victory at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Their arrival has been cause for much excitement and the Premier, Dr Denis Napthine, is firmly among those relishing their presence in the country.
He told LFC TV: "Liverpool are one of the most well-known and well-respected football clubs in the world and we're absolutely thrilled to have them here in Melbourne and Victoria.
"When I was growing up and watching the telly, Liverpool were my favourite team. Craig Johnston from Australia played for them and Ian Rush was my favourite player, so I am absolutely thrilled to have Liverpool in Melbourne and Victoria playing our own Melbourne Victory, but also playing at one of the world's best sports stadiums, the MCG.
"There will be 90,000 fans there, it'll be a great game and I'll be absolutely delighted to be there and watch Liverpool play. This will be one of the great sporting events to have ever been held at the MCG. This will be a red-letter day for Melbourne and Victoria."
Dr Napthine was joined by the Government of Victoria's minister for sport and recreation, Hugh Delahunty, in meeting Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre and team boss Brendan Rodgers ahead of their first training session at the local AAMI Park stadium.
Ayre added: "It will hopefully one of those days that you'll remember forever.
"The atmosphere will be tremendous because you'll have genuine Victory fans there and Liverpool fans. It will all make for a momentous occasion."