Conor McGregor has claimed to be a Liverpool fan and wanted them to win the Champions League – despite previously insisting he’s a Manchester United supporter.
McGregor has previously spoken about supporting United since his younger days, and has been pictured in a United shirt on various occasions. The UFC star has even entertained the idea of buying the club previously.
The 33-year-old’s father Tony spent the early years of his life in Liverpool, before going on to meet McGregor’s mother Margaret after being sent to live with relatives in Dublin. Despite that, McGregor grew up as a United fan.
When asked for his prediction for the Champions League final though, McGregor seemed to switch allegiances as he threw his weight behind Jurgen Klopp’s side. Liverpool went on to lose the final in Paris 1-0 as Real Madrid lifted their 14th European crown.
"You know, my family are Liverpool, I'm a supporter of Liverpool," McGregor said before the final. "I'm a supporter of Real Madrid also. I hope for a great game but I'll have to go with the pool [Liverpool] for this one, I'll have to go for the pool."
Despite his most recent comments, McGregor has previously spoken about how he became a United fan after following the likes of his fellow countrymen Denis Irwin and Roy Keane. He even told the club last year the first football shirt he bought was one of United’s most infamous kits.
“I was more a player than a watcher back then, but Manchester United was my team. It was only the other day I came across an old picture of myself wearing that infamous grey United jersey.
"I bought with my [First Holy] Communion money at eight years of age. I see my son when I look at that photo. I’d love to know where it is now. A truly ‘Notorious’ football jersey!"
McGregor added: “I was attracted to the success and winning mentality of the club and people surrounded by United. Irish legends like Denis Irwin and Roy Keane were dedicated to their craft and had that winning mentality.
"Roy Keane was one of the best midfielders European football has ever seen. Opponents would be mentally beaten before they’d even stepped on to the pitch to face him."
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