Kop heroes Phil Neal and John Barnes plus Everton's Gary Stevens joined the city’s leaders
in taking the World Cup bid inspectors on a tour of the cultural,
sporting and tourism facilities in Liverpool.
"I know how much hard work the FA are putting into this bid, and
with Liverpool's fantastic footballing tradition it's an amazing
opportunity to be part of England's 2018 team," said Barnes to the
Reds’ official website.
"The infrastructure is here, the stadia and training facilities
will be here and the fans are here. I remember Mexico 1986 vividly
and the passion of the people was amazing. I am 100 per cent
certain that fans on Merseyside will bring colour and vibrancy to
2018 if the bid is successful.
"Everyone talks about fans bringing colour to World Cups,
whether it be Jamaican fans or Brazilians, but our fans would bring
their own unmistakable flavour to a World Cup on Merseyside."
Neal expressed his delight in being involved as an ambassador
for the 2018 World Cup bid.
"This bid means a great deal to a passionate footballing city
like Liverpool," he added.
"Speaking as a player, I always appreciated the chance to play
in major tournaments, but speaking today as a fan, it would be
great to be involved again. I am delighted to be an ambassador for
2018 and I will do all I can to help.
"To be part of the 2018 World Cup would be fantastic and it
would offer a great platform to build on all the good work done in
the Capital of Culture year. If we did win the bid to become a host
city, Liverpool would create a magnificent festival
atmosphere."
