RM – Luis Garcia
Bought in 2006, initially as a replacement for a departing El-Hadj Diouf, Garcia became an integral part of Liverpools attacking unit. Garcia scored the winning goals against Juventus and Chelsea (and yes it was a goal in my opinion) to send Liverpool to the Final. The striker joined Atletico Madrid in 2009 as part of a deal that saw Fernando Torres join Liverpool. He soon fell out of favour and has since played for Racing Santander, Panathinaikos, Puebla and currently he is playing for UNAM in Mexico, scoring 4 goals in 16 appearances.
CM – Steven Gerrard
Another Kop legend, Steven Gerrard was instrumental in winning the Champions League, scoring one and winning the penalty. It is said that Gerrard slept with the trophy that night. The Liverpool captain was also named Man of the Match and UEFA Club Footballer of the Year in 2005. Who can forget his thumping effort against Olympiacos to send Liverpool to the Knock-Out Round. He went on to score pivotal goals in the 2006 FA Cup Final against West Ham and countless others (98) in his 436 appearances. Following the Champions League success, Gerrard was interesting Chelsea, and a move nearly materialized but, the Liverpool man rejected a £100,000 a week contract in favour of signing a new 4 year deal at the club he has loved all his life. He continues to be an important member of the Liverpool and England teams, captaining both.
LM – John Arne Risse
The thumping left-foot strikes that provided so many a Liverpool goal, make him one of the Kops favourite players. The ginger haired Norwegian provided the assist for Steven Gerrard to head in Liverpools first goals on the night. In 2008 Risse announced his desire to remain at Liverpool for the rest of his career. Unfortunatly, following an own-goal in the 95th minute to ease Chelsea into the Champions League Final, Risse fell out of favour, being replaced by Brazilian Fabio Aurelio. In 2008, he moved to the Italian capital and AS Roma for €5.5 million. He returned to the Premier League in 2011 with Fulham.
ST – Harry Kewell
Kewell became the first Australian to win the Champions League. He was controversially picked ahead of defensive midfielder Dietmar Hamann, signalling Rafael Benitez’ attacking intent. The selection proved unsuccessful as Kewell limped off after 23 minutes with a torn abductor muscle. Liverpool were losing 1-0 at the time and was booed off by Liverpool fans who felt he was feigning injury. Harry Kewell returned to form during the 2005/06 season before moving to Galatasaray in 2008 after turning down a new contract at Anfield. In 2011, Kewell returned to his homeland to play for Melbourne Victory. He is currently a free-agent.
CF – Milan Baros
The Czech international played an important part in Liverpool’s 2005 Champions League, playing every game as a lone striker. Baros reportedly dropped the trophy whilst celebrating, leaving a big dent. Liverpool decided against repairing it, as it ‘added character’. In June 2005, Baros’ future at Liverpool looked bleak, with the player seemingly poised to leave Liverpool. Baroš, however, rejected a move to France, saying that he wanted to prove himself at Liverpool. Liverpool’s purchase of Peter Crouch from Southampton however signalled the end of his Liverpool career and he joined Aston Villa. He subsequently played for Lyon, Portsmouth, Galatasaray and is currently playing for Czech club Banik Ostrava.
So there we are. A brilliant team, all going their seperate ways in the ever changing world of football.
If you would like me to do something similar with another team, please comment your suggestions below.
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