EPL

High-fives all round for former World Record holder Minamino

By Sports Desk December 23, 2021

Liverpool forward Takumi Minamino has revealed he once broke a Guinness World Record after achieving the most high-fives in one minute.

As an 18-year-old, the Japan international conducted a total of 187 during his time at Cerezo Osaka, who had organised an event for the local community on January 14, 2014.

The unique record has since been surpassed by American Kaiser Permanente San Diego, who registered a total of 290 on April 21, 2016.

Nevertheless, it remains an achievement that Minamino remembers fondly.

"About 200 people queued up in a line in a shopping centre and, as I was the youngest player in the team, I was chosen to join them," he told Liverpool's official website.

"I had to run down the line and high-five them and I managed to make the Guinness World Records.

"It is a very good memory, and we still talk about it. Maybe, it would be good fun if I celebrated a goal for Liverpool like this!"

Minamino, who spent last season on loan at Southampton, had reason to celebrate on Wednesday as he helped Jurgen Klopp's side reach the EFL Cup semi-finals.

The forward netted a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser to salvage a 3-3 draw with Leicester City, before the Reds prevailed 5-4 on penalties at Anfield despite him missing his spot-kick.

The 26-year-old has been an ever-present for Liverpool in this season’s competition, and has embraced the chances to make valuable contributions to his side's cause.

"I have been given more game time in the Carabao Cup, which is a great opportunity for me," he added.

"It is a chance to show what I can do and to prove myself, and I am happy that I could contribute to the team's wins. I hope I can continue to do more of the same.

"I would like to contribute to this club as much as possible. That is the best thing I can do."

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