Liverpool travel to Kiev this weekend to face European giants Real Madrid in the Champions League final.
Jordan Henderson could become the first Sunderland Academy graduate to lift the Champions League trophy when his Liverpool side travel to Kiev to face European giants and reigning champions Real Madrid.
Captain Henderson could lift the trophy if his side were to defy the odds and deny Madrid a third Champions League in as many seasons.
However, despite the tie being a huge deal for both sets of fans, a win for Liverpool would also be a big moment for Sunderland’s Academy.
Sunderland-born Henderson came through the club’s youth ranks as a schoolboy, playing Premier League football for the Black Cats for a number of seasons. Henderson later moved to his current club Liverpool after a successful period on Wearside.
The England international played three years in the first-team for Sunderland, from 2008 to 2011, playing 71 games and scoring four goals.
If Henderson guided his side to a win on Saturday night, the 27-year-old could well be an inspiration to members of Sunderland’s current Academy, as well as increasing the credibility of the already highly commended youth department on Wearside.
Despite his intentions to make his boyhood club proud, the midfielder will be anxious to emulate some footballing greats in Steven Gerrard and Graeme Souness, captaining his side in a European Cup final. The occasion will be a huge one for Henderson, and Sunderland may rightfully take some credit if he comes out on top.
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