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Paul Konchesky realised his Liverpool career was doomed after his mum unleashed a blistering tirade against the club's supporters on Facebook.

Liverpool and West Ham United clash on Sunday afternoon at the London Stadium, with Konchesky having intimate knowledge of both sides after turning out for each during his top-flight career. The left-back endured a disappointing solitary campaign at Anfield, eventually being shipped out on loan to Nottingham Forest following heavy criticism of his displays.

His situation on Merseysidebecame even more difficult when his mother branded Liverpool fans "Scouse s**m" and urged supporters to cease "living in the past" before declaring her son "never should have left [Fulham]".

Speaking to The Guardian three years on from his Anfield departure, Konchesky reflected on the backlash he faced and its impact on him.

"I'd be lying if I didn't say it was hard for me," he said. "It opened my eyes to how big the club was - being there every day seeing people who live and breathe football. The expectation was so high. They're good pressures, don't get me wrong. But from where I'd been, it was a completely different pressure.

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"I knew I was going to a big club, but I don't know if I doubted I shouldn't be going because of where I'd been before. Probably like the England thing, I should have been myself."

The 44-year-old also addressed his mum's attack on the fans: "She regrets that 100 per cent. She didn't like what she was hearing and she was trying to stick up for me, like I think a lot of mums would stick up for their kids. But obviously when I saw it, I thought: 'I'm in a bit of trouble here.'

"Going back to Liverpool this season will be hard for me, because that is obviously going to come up, but I've got to try and rise above it. I will go back and hold my head up high. All I can say is that I tried my hardest there, and I'm proud I played 18 times for Liverpool, probably one of the greatest clubs in the world."

The defender subsequently moved to Leicester City in 2011 and remained there for the following five years before heading out on loan to Queens Park Rangers.

Konchesky would wind down his playing days at Gillingham, Billericay Town and East Thurrock United. After hanging up his boots, he took on the role of first team manager with West Ham United's women's side.

He departed after just one campaign, stating: "I am proud and honoured to have had the opportunity to manage this club. My players and my staff have always given me 100 per cent and, while some of our results have been disappointing this season, we still have a lot to be proud of."

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