A clip of Adam Wharton bidding on a Steven Gerrard Liverpool shirt has emerged on social media, with the Crystal Palace midfielder left beaming after winning the auction
Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace
Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace(Image: Sebastian Frej, Getty Images)
Adam Wharton couldn't hide his delight after securing a signed Steven Gerrard shirt from Liverpool's 2005 Champions League triumph. Footage has surfaced on social media showing the Crystal Palace midfielder participating in an eBay Live auction.
Wharton, who has previously been linked with Liverpool, was captured anxiously watching the countdown before placing a winning bid of £410 ($555) on the commemorative shirt, emblazoned with 'European Champions Istanbul 2005' and featuring Gerrard's autograph prominently displayed in the middle above the iconic Carlsberg logo.
Grinning as the auction concluded and his victory was confirmed, Wharton exclaimed: "We got it," while leaning back in his chair with evident satisfaction. The footage then transitioned to the 22-year-old outdoors, revealing that the prized item had been delivered.
He stated: "So the shirt from Icon Memorabilia's live stream has just arrived - here it is. What a beauty that is."
The camera subsequently panned to reveal the shirt, displayed on a sun lounger in all its splendour. Regarded as one of the most unforgettable Champions League finals in history, the 2005 showpiece at Istanbul's Ataturk Olympic Stadium witnessed Gerrard lead his boyhood club to a penalty shootout triumph against AC Milan, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Yet it was the manner in which the Reds defied all expectations to claim the European crown against a golden generation of I Rossoneri that will remain etched in the memories of Liverpool supporters. Rafael Bentiez's side found themselves three goals adrift at the interval, courtesy of Paulo Maldini's opener in the very first minute and a brace from Hernan Crespo.
Yet what unfolded in Istanbul proved to be a tale of two halves, as the Reds emerged with fierce determination for the second 45 minutes to draw level. Gerrard handed the club a ray of hope on 54 minutes, with Vladimir Smicer reducing the deficit to 3-2 just two minutes later.
Adam Wharton makes the bid
Adam Wharton makes the bid
Xabi Alonso then restored parity on the hour mark, before an exceptional defensive display from both sides, stretching through extra-time, set the stage for a nail-biting penalty shootout.
Liverpool ultimately prevailed 3-2 in the shootout, capitalising on misses from Serginho, Andrea Pirlo and Andriy Shevchenko to secure the fifth European crown in their illustrious history.
This all comes to light as Wharton has been linked with a summer switch to Anfield, despite Crystal Palace's eagerness to hold onto him ahead of the new campaign. The Eagles have reportedly placed a price tag of around £78 million ($106 million) on the midfielder, though Liverpool may face fierce competition from Real Madrid. The clip led many Liverpool fans to speculate over a potential move to Anfield.
Jose Mourinho is believed to be firmly focused on bolstering his midfield, with Los Blancos having missed out on signing Rodri. Wharton would represent an ideal acquisition, given his comparable playing style to the Manchester City stalwart, who is poised to join Barcelona.