No matter how famous you are, there’s always someone who won’t recognise you.
That statement is true for former Everton defender Peter Clarke, who was unwittingly interviewed by Sky Sports ahead of Liverpool 's FA Cup final victory against Chelsea last Saturday. The EFL legend isn’t too concerned, however, as his kids enjoyed being interviewed on live television.
"It was just one of those things," Clarke tells Mirror Football . "It was fortunate at the time that myself and the kids were going past, and she put it to us to ask a few questions and the kids seemed excited by it. I think they were more interested in the kids rather than myself, to be honest with you, which is right."
Clarke’s kids are Liverpool supporters, despite his Everton connections. Seeing Jurgen Klopp’s side lift the famous trophy was a special moment for the centre-back, as he made some priceless memories with his youngsters.
"The kids are Reds. I was fortunate enough to buy some tickets, so to be able to take them and create some memories with them is what it’s all about as a parent.
"From a footballing point of view, it was a great spectacle. I think everyone that went enjoyed it – maybe some didn’t [Chelsea fans] with the result, obviously. But the fact that one of the best teams in the world and one of the best teams in the country were going at it for two hours was a fantastic advert for football in this country and the Premier League."
Clarke’s allegiances are split between Everton and Liverpool. It was a dream come true for him to represent the Toffees, yet seeing his kids celebrate the Reds’ recent success is equally as satisfying.
"I grew up watching them [Everton] and my hopes, wishes and dreams were to go on and play in the first team. I did – I was fortunate enough to play some games – and that’s something I will always hold dear."
Clarke adds: "The kids are mad Liverpool fans… I always wanted to win for Everton – no matter who I played against – but now times have changed and moved on, I’m able to go with the kids to watch a [Liverpool] game here and there."
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Clarke has enjoyed a long career in professional football. Since coming through the ranks at Everton, he’s represented nine clubs in the EFL. And, despite turning 40 in January, he’s still going strong – playing 50 games in all competitions last season for Tranmere Rovers.
"As a young player, you never think the end of a career is going to come. So, from that point of view, I thought I was going to play forever. But as time wears on, you realise it’s not possible that you’re going to. Did I, 10 years ago, envisage myself sat here as someone who’s 40 and playing professional football? No, probably not. But the fact I am, I’m extremely proud of.
"I suppose when the time comes – that I do hang up the boots – I’ll look back very fondly on a career that spanned quite a while. Over the course of that time, I’ve enjoyed some really good moments and somethings that – when I reflect on – I’ll be quite proud of."
Clarke has played more than 900 senior games and isn’t ruling out reaching 1,000. "I still feel good, I still love being out there competing – which are two of the biggest factors. From a personal point of view, I’d love to get to four figures. Whether that comes to pass or not, I suppose that remains to be seen."
One of the proudest moments of Clarke’s career will always be appearing in a Merseyside Derby. He was in Everton’s defence when they secured a 1-1 draw at Anfield in February 2002, receiving the Man of the Match award for his efforts.
"Growing up on Merseyside, the Merseyside Derby is a big game. Certainly, going back it was. The build up probably started on the Sunday prior to the game, coming around on the following Saturday. There was a real intensity in the city and the surrounding areas.
"It can make or break the following week. It can make or break the period of time between the game and the next Merseyside Derby, in terms of their [fans] outlook on things and going to work after the game. The Monday after the game, it’s them giving the stick or having to take a bit of stick.
"But from a personal point of view, I loved every second of it. There was a real intensity to the game, the stadium was full an hour before kick-off – both sets of fans going at it and getting behind their teams. Growing up on Merseyside and being able to play in the Merseyside Derby, I feel very fortunate.
"I’ve managed to come away from the game and named as Man of the Match. I’ve got some nice memories from that, although it’s 20 years gone. It’s something I hold quite dear to myself and when the time comes, eventually, that I do hang up my boots and enough is enough, I’ll look back on that with great fondness."
