By European Football
March 19 2005

It was a meeting that had to happen eventually Liverpool and Juventus 20 years after a game that shocked the world, the Champions League obliged. The most successful side Italy has ever known, meets arguably the most successful English side once again.

But this is a game that is more important than just football, passions even 20 years on are still inflamed, and feelings of sadness and regret run deep on both sides Juventus spokesman Romy Gai stated:

 

"he game in England will be a chance to remember that tragedy and pay homage to the victims."

 

"It will be very good to have this opportunity to play under the flags of friendship and fair play."

 

While Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry stated:

 

"Here's the first opportunity to mark the tragedy that happened."

 

“It will be the chance for both sets of supporters to show we have come a long way in 20 years."

 

Liverpool Legend Ian Rush was also keen to speak of the healing process that has happened between the two clubs stating:

 

"I think its fate the clubs have been drawn together just as the 20 year anniversary of Heysel is approaching.
 
"I was pleased to hear Rick Parry say there will be some special events to bring the fans together. There has been a long healing process since 1985 and I think the fact the clubs are meeting now is appropriate.
 
"The friendship has been there for 20 years, not only starting when I moved to Turin but also when I returned. The deal to bring me back to Liverpool in 1988 was agreed and completed on the telephone. That showed the level of trust between the clubs.
 
"Contrary to the myth, I enjoyed my time at Juventus and this will bring back a lot of happy memories.
 
"I fancy whoever gets through to go all the way. It's going to be very difficult for Liverpool but they've got a great chance. Anfield will be special for the first leg and they could achieve what they did against Roma a few years ago in the UEFA Cup. No-one fancied Liverpool, but they succeeded."

 

While Juventus Legend Paulo Rossi, spoke of his continuing hurt over the events:

 

It is clear that it's a wound that is still open, which it will be hard to ever heal."

"Things have improved since then, that night proved to be a lesson for a different football culture."

"I hope that these two matches between Juve and Liverpool will be noted for sporting behaviour and calmness and that they will be able to pacify the feelings and bring the two sets of supporters closer together after 20 years."

But possibly the most poignant words spoken were by The president of the Association of Families of Heysel Victims, Otello Lorentini, who spoke of his hope for some sort of commemoration of the tragedy:

"I just hope that the two clubs want to at least record what happened that evening and record the victims, given that up until today no-one has ever listened to us," he said.

Lorentini, whose son Roberto died at Heysel, said he would not be watching the game.

"No, I won't be watching on television. For twenty years I haven't watched a game on television, just little bits to keep my grandchildren company."