Ronnie Whelan

Ronnie Whelan is a current sports pundit and former footballer who played for clubs such as Liverpool and Manchester City. He has also played for the Republic of Ireland national team. During his playing career, he was known for his technical ability, vision, and goalscoring prowess. He is considered one of the finest Irish footballers of his generation and a cult hero at both Liverpool and Manchester City.
Early Life and Career:
Ronnie Whelan was born in Dublin, Ireland, on September 25, 1961. He began his football career playing with local club Home Farm before moving to St Patrick's Athletic in 1978. He made his debut for the Republic of Ireland national team in 1981 and quickly established himself as a regular in the starting lineup.
Liverpool:
In 1981, Liverpool signed Whelan for a fee of £350,000. He spent 13 seasons at the club and became a key member of the team that dominated English football in the 1980s. He won six league titles, three FA Cups, and one European Cup during his time at Liverpool, forming a potent midfield partnership with Graeme Souness. Whelan was also a vital part of the Liverpool side that won the league and FA Cup double in 1986 and the league title and European Cup double in 1984.
Manchester City:
Whelan left Liverpool in 1994 and joined Manchester City, where he spent three seasons and helped the club gain promotion to the Premier League in 1996. He retired from professional football in 1997.
Republic of Ireland:
Internationally, Whelan represented the Republic of Ireland 85 times and scored 23 goals. He was part of the team that reached the quarter-finals of the 1988 European Championship and the last 16 of the 1990 World Cup. He is considered one of the best midfielders to have played for Ireland.
Post-Playing Career:
Since retiring from football, Whelan has worked as a sports pundit for various media outlets, including beIN Sports, RTÉ, and Newstalk. He is a popular figure among football fans and is known for his insightful and entertaining analysis.
Personal Life:
Ronnie Whelan is married with two children. He is a practicing Catholic and is involved in various charitable activities, including those related to cancer awareness and research.
Legacy:
Ronnie Whelan is remembered as one of the finest Irish footballers of his generation. He was a talented and versatile midfielder who could play in various positions. He was also a leader on and off the pitch and helped bring success to both Liverpool and Manchester City.