Farewell to Fowler on Sunday.

[coop]

Fowler set for Anfield farewell
May 11 2007
by Nick Smith, Liverpool Daily Post

ROBBIE FOWLER is bracing himself for an emotional Anfield swansong after his departure from the club was confirmed yesterday.

The 32-year-old striker will bow out in Sunday’s final Barclays Premiership home match of the campaign against Charlton Athletic, when he will also be hoping to press his claims for inclusion in the Champions League final squad to take on AC Milan in Athens on May 23.

But Fowler, who since being given a one-year contract when his loan deal from Manchester City was made permanent last summer has been mainly a fringe player, is preparing a final farewell to the Kop after being delivered the news that he was “half-expecting.”

A close friend of the striker said: “Robbie has been told his contract won’t be renewed at the end of the season. He’s obviously bitterly disappointed because he loves the club, but he half expected it.

“Robbie holds no grudges and was delighted when Rafa (Benitez) gave him the opportunity to come back to Liverpool.

“He’ll say his goodbyes to Anfield on Saturday but he’s hoping to pay his final farewells to the club by playing a part in the final in Athens.”

Fowler made his Liverpool debut in 1993 and, after leaving for Leeds United in 2001 then joining City, has taken his tally of goals to 183 in his second spell.

He has only started nine times for the club this season but has still managed to score seven goals.

After the last of these, the second of two penalties in the 4-0 win against Sheffield United in February, Fowler revealed he felt he still had two years of top-flight football left in him but with Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez’s intention to replenish his strike-force in the summer has spelt the end for a player who is set to be a target for new Bolton Wanderers manager Sammy Lee.

Meanwhile, Benitez has revealed his delight at the club’s trip to the Far East in the summer when they will compete in the Barclays Asia Trophy.

Liverpool will play the Hong Kong FA Cup winners on July 24 and then one of two fellow Premiership sides either Portsmouth or Fulham on July 27.

Benitez said: “We know that we have a lot of fans in Hong Kong and are looking forward to playing in front of them again. I’m sure they will give us wonderful support and we will do our best to win the Barclays Asia Trophy for them.”

As for the Charlton game, from which Liverpool still need a win to be sure of finishing third, Benitez insists he has not finalised his team selection.

He said: “We will assess the situation in training and then decide who should play for 90 minutes.

“Momo Sissoko won’t be available. He’ll be missing for a week because of a knee problem.

“Pepe Reina should be training again in the next two days, but we’ll also have to see what the doctor says. It’s not a serious problem.

“We know the game is not as important as the Champions League but we would still prefer to finish third in the Premiership.”

[L4 Lad]

can't believe he's leaving anfield again. hope he retires. couldn't bear the thought of him playin for another team after this

[robslappa]

Not really a surprise. Good Luck Robbie.

[coop]

Originally Posted by L4 Lad can't believe he's leaving anfield again. hope he retires. couldn't bear the thought of him playin for another team after this

I agree, i hope he doesnt goto Bolton. If he is to carry on playing i hope he takes up the offers he has recieved from America.

Still hope to see him back at Liverpool in a coaching role or something.

[keysaint]

Even though we all knew he wouldn't be staying i still feel absolutely gutted. could literally break down..again

[Bob Spunkmouse]

at least this time we saw it coming a little more. It hasnt felt the same this time around anyway. Hope he doesnt play on in the prem, but wish him all the best anyway.

Who is charltons reserve keeper, as carson can't play on sunday, would love Robbie to get a final hat trick in a red shirt as i can't see him playing any part in athens.

[Cath]

It's been good that he's got to play a final season in Red and say his farewells. Obviously the dream is him coming on in Athens with 10 mins of ET to play and scoring the wining pen but in reality it'll just be good to see him there, even if he's in a suit.

Really hope he doesn't play on in the Prem.

Thanks for everything lad.

[Dirk]

The retiring of a boyhood hero. He was the shining light in a generation of players that were, in general, substandard and not arsed. Fowler was a player of outstanding quality, a true footballing genius.

[Paco]

don't be surprised to see him come on in athens. rafa the old romantic could bring him on if the situation is right.

so long Robbie, til the next time.

[Dirk]

Originally Posted by Paco don't be surprised to see him come on in athens. rafa the old romantic could bring him on if the situation is right. so long Robbie, til the next time.

Rafa calls to the Gods for inspiration.

[El Rojo]

Last penalty taker on May 23rd...

[chorlton]

Now fat sams gone i could see robbie at Bolton. Now our Sammy is in charge.

[kopitegaz]

Originally Posted by Cath It's been good that he's got to play a final season in Red and say his farewells. Obviously the dream is him coming on in Athens with 10 mins of ET to play and scoring the wining pen but in reality it'll just be good to see him there, even if he's in a suit. Really hope he doesn't play on in the Prem. Thanks for everything lad.

The fact that there could be pens is why I reckon a place on the bench is a cert.

So, at the end of the season there will only be one of my heroes left playing (Carra). I've seen Rushie finish (twice), Kenny's last game, Hansen's, Robbie's first time (even though you couldnt call it a farewell - cheers GH), and now Robbie's 2nd coming is almost over.

[coop]

Originally Posted by chorlton Now fat sams gone i could see robbie at Bolton. Now our Sammy is in charge.

I dont class him as 'our' Sammy since he went to Bolton. Since been there he has taken plenty of pot shots at the club and at Rafa.

[23 Carra Gold]

At least he got the chance to come back and still prove he can cut it at a top club and hopefully he will get a final swansong in athens and he can say goodbye to us properly this time and vice-versa from the fans point as well.

[oxtailsoup]

Sad to see him go. My favourite player of my time (I'm 37).

Was hoping LFC could offer him another role at the club so may be his passion for LFC and his pure skill could rub off on other players.

[Al Campbell]

At least we can give him a proper send-off this time.

"When the ball hits the net, it's a very save bet that it's Fowler, Robbie Fowler"

[sh#t waffle]

Sad, but not unexpected news. I so hope he scores on Sunday, it would be perfect.