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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
National
Patrick Edrich

Nelson Mandela told Liverpool FC players he was a 'lifelong fan' during iconic tour

Nelson Mandela Liverpool Liverpool FC John Barnes South Africa

Nelson Mandela admitted to Liverpool FC players he was a lifelong fan of the club during a tour of South Africa.

The former South Africa leader was pictured with Liverpool players at a United Bank Soccer Festival friendly match at Ellis Park Stadium in May 1994. The iconic picture was taken less than a month after Mr Mandela - or Madiba as he was known in South Africa - was sworn in as the first black President in the country's maiden democratic elections.

The ground-breaking tour where Liverpool FC visited the country in its most important era of history is characterised by Mr Mandela posing with the squad following the match. John Barnes presented a Liverpool FC shirt to the President who admitted to Barnes he was a lifelong fan.

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