Liverpool fans help inspire Spain to write words to anthem

MADRID, June 5 (Reuters) - Hearing Liverpool fans belt out ''You'll Never Walk Alone'' from the terraces has helped inspire Spain's Olympic Committee president to seek lyrics to the country's wordless national anthem, he said today.

Spain's Royal March has a suitably up-tempo tune but has been stripped of words in the past for their links to previous political regimes.

''More than envy, I feel a great admiration (when I see other national teams singing their anthems),'' Alejandro Blanco told sports daily AS.

''I had the chance to listen to ''You'll Never Walk Alone'' at the Liverpool v Chelsea Champions League match recently and it gave me goosebumps.'' Spanish sports figures have come out in support of the idea, which has received backing from some politicians.

Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas said: ''It would help fire up all the fans'', and the captain of Spain's basketball world champions Carlos Jimenez added: ''It would be good if it helped unite the players, and encourage the team spirit.'' Choosing the words will be a difficult task in a nation starkly divided over the status of its diverse regions, some with their own languages such as the Basque Country.

A former prime minister's attempt to come up with some lyrics a few years ago failed because no one could agree what they should be.

''No one should see this as a political opportunity. The intention is to reflect the pride of our sportspeople when they represent us at great events. Sport should unite people,'' Blanco said.

REUTERS AKD ND1712