Jermaine Pennant defends himself over Champions League tattoo after losing with Liverpool in 2007 final
06/13/2024 01:02 PM
Jermaine Pennant has defended his decision to get a tattoo commemorating his appearance in the 2007 Champions League final.
Pennant featured for Rafa Benitez's Liverpool in the final against AC Milan in a repeat of the thrilling 2005 win over the Italians in Istanbul.
However, this time the Reds were beaten 2-1 in Athens – Pennant's only Champions League final appearance.
Not one to play down such an accomplishment, the former winger celebrated his final display by getting a tattoo to commemorate the final.
Whilst most would prefer to put such disappointments firmly behind them, Pennant ensured he is reminded of the match every time he looks at his leg.
The topic of commemorative tattoos was discussed on the Sports Bar on Wednesday night after Ivan Toney exclusively told talkSPORT that he would be adding to his collection, should England reign supreme at the Euros this summer.
Host Jamie O'Hara, who boasts an impressive tattoo stock of his own, was quick to rib the former Reds winger by saying: "You can't get a tattoo of a game you've lost in."
However, Pennant was having none of it and doubled down on his decision to mark the occasion with a new piece of artwork.
"But it's a Champions League final, how many players have played in a Champions League final?," Pennant replied.
"It's like people keeping a jersey or people framing an FA Cup semi-final or final jersey."
O'Hara attempted to differentiate between an embroidered shirt and a permanent tattoo to which Pennant responded: "Yeah, but I'd rather it on my leg than on my wall, at least it's there with me all the time.
"It’s a picture of the trophy itself and inside it, the Champions League logo with the stars and inside it says 'Champions League final 2007.'
"It's a moment that I'm going to cherish for the rest of my life as a big part of my career and I got man of the match."
Pennant drew praise for his performance on the night but could do little to inspire Liverpool to another miraculous comeback.
A goal in each half from Filippo Inzaghi put Milan in the ascendancy before Dirk Kuyt pulled one back a minute from time.
After two final appearances in three years the Reds would wait a decade for their next crack at becoming kings of Europe against Real Madrid in Kyiv.
