Liam Payne’s unlikely connection to Adrian Chiles and Robbie Keane is explained – as the meaning beind the broadcaster’s special tribute at his funeral is revealed
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Liam Payne’s connection to Adrian Chiles and Robbie Keane has been explained after they made an unlikely appearance at his funeral on Wednesday.
The singer was buried at a private service attended by his family and friends, including his One Direction bandmates and his son’s mother Cheryl.
But fans will no doubt have questioned some of those present at the service after enjoying lesser-known friendships during his career.
The bond that links all three names is football, due to Liam and Adrian’s shared love of West Bromwich Albion and Liam and Robbie’s joint Soccer Aid appearance.
Adrian met Liam during his time on the X Factor, where Liam’s band One Direction was formed before they shot to stratosphere stardom.
Following Liam’s death, Adrian discussed their love for West Brom and how they first came into contact when he was a teenager.
Liam Payne’s connection to Adrian Chiles (pictured) and Robbie Keane has been explained after they made an unlikely appearance at his funeral on Wednesday
The bond that links all three names is football, due to Liam and Adrian’s shared love of West Bromwich Albion and Liam and Robbie’s joint appearance in Soccer Aid.
He told the BBC: ‘I met him when he first did X Factor. He came up to me and said “up the Albion” – he was a West Brom fan.
“As a sign of how big he was, I remember we took him to a game on Boxing Day and I think his mum and dad came and sat with me.
“But we managed to put our guy in the commentary portal so it didn’t bother him. Then a friend of mine texted me to ask ‘why is West Brom trending number one on Twitter?’
“I said, ‘Well, it could be because Liam Payne is here and he tweeted that he was here and the whole world went crazy!’
In a special tribute to Liam, Adrian arrived to pay his respects to Liam, wearing a West Bromwich Albion jacket.
During his appearance in Soccer Aid 2022, Wolverhampton native Liam proudly called himself a ‘huge West Brom supporter’.
He said, “I don’t go to the games as often as I would like, though.”
The singer was buried at a private service attended by his family and friends, including his One Direction bandmates and his son’s mother Cheryl.
Following his death, the Championship club paid tribute to Payne, who was also reportedly a season ticket holder like Chiles.
“We are shocked and saddened by the passing of Baggies fan and musician Liam Payne,” West Brom wrote after the singer’s tragic death. “Our thoughts are with Liam’s family, friends and loved ones at this tragic time.”
Meanwhile, Liam and Robbie took part in the 2023 Soccer Aid match. Liam played for England while Robbie was manager for Rest Of The World.
Robbie has played in several Soccer Aid matches and scored several goals, including a brace in the 2023 match against England.
Keane scored twice in the World XI’s 5-0 win over England, including a fine finish from inside the post and a dink during a goal battle.