I Finally Understand the Anfield Obsession

Football, family, and an unexpected appreciation for one of Liverpool's most treasured landmarks.

Growing up, football was a big part of our home. Not necessarily because I was particularly interested in it, but because my father absolutely loved the sport. He still does.

My dad knows football! In fact, if there were a competition testing people's knowledge of the game, with a substantial cash prize attached, I would confidently put my money on him. That man would probably win everything.

For me, football was largely an opportunity to spend time with him. I would sit with him, watch the matches and share in something he genuinely enjoyed. And, of course, I learnt one very important thing quite early: whenever a club he supported won, that was the perfect time to ask Daddy for a favour.

The man would be in such a good mood! You could almost guarantee a favourable response.

So, although I didn't necessarily grow up obsessed with football, I grew up understanding how much joy it could bring someone.

Years later, here I was in Liverpool, preparing to visit Anfield Stadium.

I knew Anfield was an important part of the city. You cannot really speak about Liverpool without acknowledging football and the place it occupies in the city's identity. I knew it was a gem worth documenting, but I wasn't entirely sure what to expect.

And what an experience it turned out to be!

One thing I particularly appreciated about the stadium tour was how much freedom it gave visitors. It wasn't one of those experiences where you're constantly being hurried along. There was a structure to the tour, but you could also take your time, pause, look around, ask questions, take photographs, and enjoy the experience at your own pace.

I loved that.

From the dressing room to the famous tunnel, the pitchside views and the Walk of Champions, there was so much to take in. But beyond the spaces themselves, I was struck by the people.

The smiles! The excitement! You could see it on the faces of the visitors around me. People were genuinely happy to be there, and that joy was quite infectious.

And then I thought about what Anfield must feel like on matchday.

Imagine over 60,000 people gathered in one place, cheering, singing, and supporting their team. Imagine the atmosphere, the energy, the sound of all those voices together!

I haven't experienced that yet, but I certainly intend to. And when I do, you can be sure I'll return with another story.

Another part of the visit that stayed with me was the LFC Museum.

Something I've come to appreciate about Liverpool is how intentionally the city preserves and tells its stories. There is so much attention given to memory, to history, to the people and experiences that have shaped different places.

And at Anfield, I saw another expression of that.

The museum reminded me that football is not simply about what happens on the pitch. There are generations of memories attached to it. There are stories of players, managers, supporters, victories and everything in between. Stories that continue to be told, remembered and passed on.

I find that fascinating, especially because so much of my own work through Gems of Liverpool is concerned with documenting the present and preserving it for those who will come after us.

The history we celebrate tomorrow is being made around us today.

At some point, I had someone take a photograph of me outside the Bill Shankly statue. It was a proud little moment for me. There I was, documenting another part of the city I've grown to love, appreciating something I might not ordinarily have paid so much attention to.

And perhaps that was my biggest takeaway from Anfield.

Sometimes, you don't have to be deeply invested in something to appreciate what it means to other people. You only need to pay attention, listen, observe, and allow yourself to understand why it matters.

I arrived knowing Anfield was an important Liverpool landmark. I left with a much deeper appreciation for the stories, memories and sense of belonging it represents.

And somewhere in all of that, I thought about my father again. About how football could light up his face and fill our home with excitement.

Perhaps I understand the obsession a little better now.

Would I go again? Absolutely.

And next time, I want to hear Anfield in full voice.

With love,

Jesuloba

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