This season, the Premier League's US Instagram account, @PLinUSA, has been highlighting the passionate, diverse PL fandom from coast to coast, in the series Premier League passion in the US: Fans' stories.
Meet Dana, a medical student from Chesapeake, Virginia, who bonded with her brother through a shared love of Liverpool.
Dana
“My family's Middle Eastern so I grew up watching international soccer. My parents emigrated to the United States from Lebanon. We speak Arabic at home and usually go back to Lebanon every year or so. My culture and my family is a huge part of my identity.
TV Info
"Back in college, I’d really only get to come home on the weekends every once in a while. I wanted to spend time with my younger brother but he’d be like, ‘Well I’m busy in the mornings, I’m watching the Premier League.’
"So I figured if I was going to spend any time with him, I would have to get into the Premier League too! He’s a huge Liverpool fan so naturally, I chose it as my team, too.
"I started watching because I wanted to bond with him but eventually I just fell in love with the players. They work together as a team and there’s no real egos. I love Jurgen Klopp, as well. I feel like he brings out the best in people.
"I especially love Liverpool’s slogan, 'You’ll Never Walk Alone', and have personally found YNWA to be true. Wherever you go, you really can find a family.
"We went to DC recently and there was a local LFC fan club. Experiencing that atmosphere with other fans was amazing.
Family time
"Now I’ve become a big Reds fan. My brother and I watch every weekend together. We even got each other matching Liverpool jerseys for Christmas this year.
"Having something in common that we’re both really passionate about and we can spend time doing together is so special. It’s not just the games either. It’s the mornings making coffee and our smoked salmon or avocado bagels.
"I’m in medical school now so I’m very busy. Having an activity to do together on the weekends and something I can look forward to with him, it really means the world to me.
"Liverpool isn’t a hobby, it’s part of the family experience, and that’s truly special.”