by GERARD Houllier said he would rather stop breathing than give up football
after accepting the accolade of the ECHO backed Merseyside Sports
Personality of the Year.
The Reds boss was unanimously voted the region's top sportsman of 2001. And
in an emotional address to a star-studded audience at Liverpool's Moat House
Hotel, Houllier promised: "I'll be back."
He confirmed his imminent return to Anfield and determination to fulfil his
ultimate ambition of winning the Premiership title.
"There are those who say maybe I should forget about football. Maybe I
should forget about breathing!" said Houllier to his spellbound audience.
Houllier also paid tribute to Phil Thompson for his magnificent contribution
as caretaker manager and thanked both Liverpool and Everton fans for their
support during his illness.
"I am on the mend and it's just a matter of weeks before I get the all
clear. As Arnold Schwarzenegger said: 'I'll be back!' "
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