Real Sociedad’s Beñat Turrientes has spoke about his long-standing and deeply-held admiration for Liverpool.
The 22-year-old has had a detailed chat with the Spanish media on various topics and a part of it was dedicated to Liverpool.
Turrientes was born in Beasain, a province in Gipuzko, Spain. He climbed through the ranks of La Real’s youth system and made his way into their first team in 2021. Despite spending his entire playing career with the La Liga side, the Reds have a special in his heart.
The midfielder was asked about the ‘very special’ connection with Liverpool and explained why he ended up supporting the Reds from a young age.
“Yes, special, I have always said that my father really liked Liverpool. In fact, he was watching Xabi Alonso’s final there when he played against Milan,” he said.
“My father always played the Liverpool song for my sister and me, we always watched Liverpool games at home and it’s nice that Xabi has played there and that he has had what my father gave me since I was little.”
The Real Sociedad player’s father started visiting Anfield regularly when his friend, Pako Ayestarán, was at Liverpool between 2004 and 2007 as Rafael Benítez’s assistant.
“Because my father was from Pako Ayestarán’s group, who was once Rafa Benítez’s assistant,” Turrientes explained.
“When I was born, he explained those things to me, that he has a friend of his who is an assistant coach and as a result of that he went to see many games because he gave him tickets. And he started playing the songs for me, playing the games and I have great affection.”
Unfortunately for the player, he never accompanied his father on his multiple visits to Anfield to watch Liverpool when Ayestarán was in England.
Liverpool fans may hope the Spaniard can try and persuade his club teammate, Martín Zubimendi, to pick them over other clubs if he were to leave Real Sociedad.
Arne Slot’s side made an offer last summer, but Zubimendi turned them down, and recent claims have stated he could leave at the end of this season.
