Bruce Grobbelaar reflects on his ‘spaghetti legs’ against Roma in the 1984 European Cup final, and offers a prediction for tonight’s rematch with Liverpool.
The Reds famously won the trophy at the Stadio Olimpico, with the goalkeeper attracting attention for his bizarre antics in the penalty shoot-out, which the English side won 4-2 after a 1-1 draw in normal time.
“It was a magical night, played in difficult conditions for we Liverpool players,” Grobbelaar told Tuttomercatoweb.
Bruce Grobbelaar reflects on his ‘spaghetti legs’ against Roma in the 1984 European Cup final, and offers a prediction for tonight’s rematch with Liverpool.
The Reds famously won the trophy at the Stadio Olimpico, with the goalkeeper attracting attention for his bizarre antics in the penalty shoot-out, which the English side won 4-2 after a 1-1 draw in normal time.
“It was a magical night, played in difficult conditions for we Liverpool players,” Grobbelaar told Tuttomercatoweb.
“We were away from home, the stadium was a bear pit to push Roma but we managed to overcome all the obstacles.
“Now they meet each other again with something big to play for, but it’ll be different because it’s a two-legged tie.
“The spaghetti legs? It was pure improvisation, when it came time for Bruno Conti to take one I looked at the photographers and bit the net. Conti missed.
“At that point I thought about continuing [do to that], I looked at the net and it looked like spaghetti, so I did a dance with my legs like spaghetti.
“The Roma fans have never forgiven me, but I gained the affection of the Lazio fans.
“Do you know, after that game I became an honorary member of a Lazio club in South Africa!
“I’ve been back to Rome recently and not just there, I visited Tuscany for example: beautiful.
“I’ve had the chance to appreciate the colosseum and the vatican and the city in general. The stadium was off limits for me though.
“I wanted to go to the Olimpico, go on to the pitch, but myself in the goal I defended during the shoot-out – I wanted my wife to see where I had won the European Cup.
“They didn’t want to let me in though, I was on a blacklist. Incredible, no? So I’ll watch the return match from the Caribbean, but I’ll be at Anfield.”
How was Grobbelaar able to stay so cool under the pressure of that shoot-out?
“I was a soldier for two years in the Rhodesian war, and I saw things I’d really rather not talk about. That’s why I say football is fun and should be treated that way.
“It must be taken seriously, as there’s a lot of pressure, but a player has to be happy when he’s on the pitch, because he’s doing something everyone else wants to do.”
Grobbelaar then turned his focus to tonight’s match, and the atmosphere at Anfield.
“I remember very well the atmosphere in Rome 33 years ago. It was electric, incredible, overwhelming passion.
“In the comeback against Barcelona the atmosphere certainly played a part, and Anfield is another passionate stadium that pushes the team.
“One thing I would say to Roma fans is that if you come to Liverpool you won’t be running any risk, because Liverpool and the fans are very hospitable and the Giallorossi are welcome at Anfield.
“If Liverpool play like they did against Manchester City it’s possible they’ll win by a big margin, which could be crucial for the return leg at the Olimpico.”
Finally, the former goalkeeper was asked about Gianluigi Buffon’s reaction Real Madrid’s late penalty against Juventus in the quarter-finals.
“As a goalkeeper, I can say that Buffon is one of the best I’ve ever seen in my life,” Grobbelaar said.
“He’ll be remembered as the best Italian goalkeeper for decades, and he’ll be an inspiration for anyone who wants to play the position.
“I don’t think anyone should criticise him for what he did, because in my opinion Buffon, as well as being one of the best goalkeepers in the world, is an example of loyalty and quality that few possess.
“Remember when Juventus were relegated to Serie B? Remember how many left? He stayed and helped them get back to Serie A, and to competing where Juventus should be.
“That has to be acknowledged.”