Istanbul hero Vladimir Smicer has retired from professional football at the age of 36.
The ex-Czech Republic international has decided to hang up his boots after a spate of injury problems at Slavia Prague.
"I am not able to help Slavia on the field. I can no longer give it 100 percent," he said.
"My head and my heart want me to carry on but my body says no."
Smicer made 184 appearances for the Reds during a six-year spell at Anfield between 1999-2005, scoring 19 goals.
An attacking midfielder, Smicer first shot to prominence in 1996, helping Slavia Prague reach the semi-finals of the UEFA Cup and starring for the Czech Republic during their run to the final of Euro 96.
He moved on to French club RC Lens where he enjoyed more success - inspiring the club to a first ever French title in 1997-98.
Smicer arrived at Anfield in 1999 to join his close friend Patrik Berger on Merseyside.
The midfielder played an important role in the Reds' treble-winning triumph of 2001, operating on the flanks or behind the front two.
However, undoubtedly his high-point in a red jersey came in the Champions League final of 2005 in Istanbul - his final Liverpool appearance.
Coming on as a substitute for Harry Kewell against AC Milan, Smicer scored the Reds' second goal as Rafael Benitez's side dramatically came from 3-0 down to level the scoreline at 3-3 in six magnificent second-half minutes.
He also kept his nerve to net Liverpool's deciding penalty in the shoot-out before Jerzy Dudek's historic save from Andriy Shevchenko.
It was sweet reward for Smicer, who had returned to action in February 2005 having missed most of the 2004-05 season after a knee operation.
Having signed off from his Liverpool career in the best possible style, Vladi departed for Bordeaux as a Kop legend.
http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N166417091110-1150.htm