A mural celebrating Howard Gayle, Liverpool Football Club's first black player, has been revealed in the city.
Born in Toxteth, the 66-year-old signed his professional contract with the club in 1977.
His role model status was cemented after a remarkable performance for the Reds in the 1981 European Cup semi-final against Bayern Munich and his subsequent activism.
Mr. Gayle expressed his hope that the mural, located on Upper Warwick Street in Toxteth, would reflect the area's unity.
He remarked, "This area is home to a diverse range of cultures, more so than anywhere else in the North West, and we live in harmony."
He added, "There are countless untold stories of individuals contributing to the community, making it a safe place to live and be at this moment.
"The community here is bustling and united, yet those who don't reside here often overlook it."
For Howard Gayle, playing for his childhood club was an immense joy for him and his family.
The youngest of four siblings, Mr. Gayle was born after his father, a Sierra Leonean World War Two settler, met his Ghanaian wife in Liverpool.
After his pivotal role in the second leg of the 1981 European Cup semi-final against Bayern Munich, Mr. Gayle's career included stints at Birmingham City, Sunderland, Stoke City, and Blackburn Rovers.
He shared that playing for his childhood club was an incredible feeling for both him and his family.
"The elation and positivity it brought to our local community was palpable, marking a rare moment of positive recognition for our community," he said.
Throughout his career, he faced racial abuse but has since become a leading activist, committed to eradicating racism from football.
He concluded, "I have always spoken out when things are unjust."
