The Telegraph welcomes Jamie Carragher as its new football columnist

• Former Liverpool and England defender joins The Telegraph’s sports team

The Telegraph today announces Jamie Carragher as its new football columnist and contributor.

The former Liverpool and England defender, who played 737 times for his club and 38 for his country, will write a weekly column or interview which will be published online at Telegraph.co.uk each Friday and subsequently in The Daily Telegraph on Saturdays.

He will also contribute to The Telegraph’s weekly Total Football podcast in association with Liontrust, and on other platforms.

In an extra, exclusive Total Football podcast interview with Chief Sports Writer

Paul Hayward, published to coincide with Carragher joining The Telegraph, he reveals why he is so obsessed by football; how he was terrified when he first stopped playing; how it felt missing out on a Premier League title; the possibilities of being a club manager one day; what qualities he feels are missing with current players plus what type of game he likes to watch now.

Carragher’s first column will be published on Friday 13 October on Telegraph.co.uk and in The Daily Telegraph on Saturday 14 October.

Jamie Carragher said: “It’s well-known I’m fanatical about football, and there’s nowhere better to bring that passion than The Telegraph. It’s an honour to share my love of the game in a publication so recognised for its excellent football coverage. I can’t wait to add my own insights and join the team.”

Adam Sills, Head of Sport, The Telegraph, said: “Jamie Carragher is one of the most renowned names in the world of football and we’re delighted he’s joining The Telegraph. He brings a huge amount of expertise and experience and will be an excellent addition to our sports coverage.”

The Telegraph’s dedication to providing the very best quality football coverage includes:

• A dedicated weekly podcast, Total Football, in association with Liontrust

• Unrivalled coverage in the run-up to the 2018 World Cup in Russia from its team including Chief Sports Writer Paul Hayward, Chief Football Correspondent Jason Burt and Chief Football Writer Sam Wallace

• A weekly audience of eight million football fans across print and digital platforms *

* NRS PADD April 16 – March 17

Carragher joins The Telegraph’s roster of star sports writers which includes Will Greenwood, Brian Moore, Maggie Alphonsi, Michael Vaughan, Geoffrey Boycott and David Coulthard.

Notes to editors:

About Jamie Carragher

Jamie Carragher is Liverpool FC’s second-longest serving player who played 737 matches over a 17-year career. He was vice captain for 10 years and his last game was in May 2013.

Carragher made 150 appearances in European competition for Liverpool, more than any other player. He was part of the team that staged an incredible recovery to win the 2005 Champions League final. His other honours are: one Uefa Cup, two FA Cups, three League Cups, two Community Shields, two Super Cups.

He won 38 caps for England, playing at the 2006 and 2010 World Cups.

Since retirement he has become football’s leading pundit and now is the most respected voice on Sky Sports.