'At the end of a storm, there's a golden sky' - the memorable moments of being a football fan

Football is a way of life... or so it has been for me.

I started supporting Liverpool FC as a young boy, following in my father's footsteps of being a red.

My first game at Anfield was when I was six years old - February 14, 2006.

A Champions League-winning team, managed by Spaniard Rafael Benítez, overcame a strong Arsenal side 1-0 in the Premier League under the lights on Merseyside. 

After that night, I never looked back - I got the hook for being there to follow my club.

I have been lucky to attend some memorable encounters at Anfield, including a Champions League semi-final clash when the Reds defeated Roma 5-2 in 2018. I watched the game from the Kop End - what an occasion that was! 

It's the memories that football creates that make it so special for me. Hearing 'You'll Never Walk Alone' echo around the stadium pre-match brings a tingle to my body. Without fail, the lyrics always evoke emotions. 

No matter what is happening in anyone's life, football fans can relate to the 90-plus minutes a supporter spends watching their team in action. Everything disappears while people spur on their favourite footballers from the stands. There is something really unique about the experience of attending a match in person.

Jürgen Klopp has built an empire since he took over in 2015. Fans adore him and why wouldn't they? He has brought success back to Liverpool.

Here's hoping the club can continue their fine form into 2024. 

As the Gerry and the Pacemakers' song goes: "Walk on, walk on, with hope in your heart, and you'll never walk alone".