Luis on rumours and Chelsea
If there was a definitive list highlighting the key contributors to Liverpool's recent history, then Luis Garcia's entry would go something like this: a sangria drinking Spaniard with a propensity for the spectacular.
During a highly successful three year spell in L4 the former Barcelona man produced a catalogue of great moments - none more so than when he went head-to-head with Chelsea.
Back in 2005 the Spaniard's goal left the Blues' hopes of Champions League glory in tatters and 12 months later he extinguished their 'double dream' with one of the finest FA Cup goals of modern times.
Such heroics have quite rightly immortalised Garcia in Anfield folklore while his knack for breaking Chelsea hearts will no doubt leave the Londoners just pleased that his name is absent from this afternoon's teamsheet.
For the man himself, the moments stand out as two of the greatest of his career and it is perhaps unsurprising that he is inevitably asked to revisit them whenever the sides go head-to-head.
"They are up there with the biggest matches I have ever played in. They were semi-finals and we went on to lift both trophies so they were huge victories for us," he says as we caught up with him for the first time since his summer move to Greek outfit, Panathinaikos.
"The Champions League game in 2005 was unbelievable for both the players and the fans. We all pulled together and managed to come through against a very strong Chelsea side.
"I can't tell you how tough that was. We scored early and that gave everyone a huge lift, but in a strange way, that made it a bit harder because there was still so long to go.
"Chelsea pushed and made a lot of chances towards the end and the whole of Anfield was holding its breath. When the full-time whistle finally went it was an incredible release, pure euphoria."
The last four showdown with Jose Mourinho's champions-elect is now considered to be one of Anfield's greatest ever European nights.
It is an occasion that every one of the 42,529 spectators packed inside L4 will remember forever, but what about Garcia?
What does he recall about the build-up to one of the most famous goals the Kop end has ever witnessed?
"Not a lot to be honest," he says with a laugh. "I actually remember Eidur Gudjohnsen's miss at the very end more clearly.
"When Milan (Baros) went down I was sure it was going to be a penalty but I played to the whistle and I definitely saw the ball go in.
"I've seen it so many times on television too. I was convinced it was over the line and the only thing on my mind was to go and celebrate.
"People have said to me we would have had a penalty and Cech would have been sent off anyway, but I think at that moment scoring the goal was the best thing for us. It lifted the crowd and the players to an incredible level. Who knows whether we would have scored the penalty?
"As far as I'm concerned a goal is a goal and nothing will ever change that.
"I've spoken to Liverpool fans in different places around the world since then and all of them remember me for that goal. That's fantastic because it was such a big moment in my career and my life. It's something I'll never forget. I'm very proud I was part of that team that had such wonderful success."
If it wasn't for Garcia's opportunism that evening, then the incredible events that transpired inside the Ataturk Stadium on May 25, 2005 may never have materialised.
The remarkable comeback that saw Liverpool recover from a 3-0 deficit to triumph on penalties is the stuff of legend, but if the Panathinaikos forward had had his way, there may have been one or two alterations to the script.
"I really wanted to take one of the penalties in the shoot-out," he says wistfully.
"At the end of extra-time I went straight over to Rafa to let him know I was ready and I was really disappointed when he turned to me and said, 'No, but if it goes beyond five kicks, you will take the sixth one.'
"I even knew where I wanted to put it too. I was going to stick it to the goalkeeper's left, but the boss had made up his mind. Like I say, I was disappointed but the all-important thing was that we went on to win."
The victory in Istanbul raised the level of expectation heading into the following season and after a difficult start, Liverpool soon found themselves in the hunt for more silverware.
This time Rafael Benitez had his eyes on the FA Cup - but once again Chelsea would be the side standing in the way of a showpiece final in Cardiff.
"It was another unbelievable game," enthuses Garcia.
"It was a great atmosphere and it was great to see our fans turn out in force to celebrate at Old Trafford. It was a special moment.
"It was a very important game for us because Chelsea were playing well and they had a great record against us in the Premier League, winning almost all of the games we played. So it was really nice to beat them.
"I think you always remember the best goals you have scored in your career and that one at Old Trafford is definitely one of mine. It was great to see the volley hit the net, especially given its importance as it proved to be the winner.
"We played them so many times in the three years I was at Liverpool. I've never experienced anything like that.
"Nowadays they have a lot of different players to the ones that I came up against, but one thing hasn't changed - they are still a very strong team.
"They have made a great start in the Barclays Premier League and in Europe. They have been playing the same way for many years now and that is one of the secrets to their success."
Liverpool head into today's encounter with Chelsea looking to make it four wins out of four following a recent upturn in their fortunes.
Garcia believes that on their day, the Reds remain one of the few sides in England capable of matching Carlo Ancelotti's men and feels their recent improvement has given them a vital ingredient that is necessary when it comes to winning matches at the highest level.
"I watched Liverpool's win over Bolton last week and it wasn't a great game," he says.
"But right now, the most important thing is to get as many points as possible and get back up towards the top of the table. For me, there's no doubt that they will be up there challenging for the European places soon.
"I think confidence will play a big factor. They have won a few games in a row now and are showing faith in each other. They are getting better and if they can continue to pick up good results over the next four or five games then they will show that they can still be a force.
"They have a new manager and some new players so it has taken some time for us to see the real Liverpool. I think they will keep improving because you have some great players in that dressing room.
"I still keep in touch with some of the lads and they told me that Roy Hodgson is a very good manager and they are very happy with him. They feel it is only a matter of time before they start winning games regularly.
"Obviously today's match with Chelsea is going to be a real test, but anything can happen and I think it's too tough to call. Hopefully Liverpool will have a good game and get an early goal to give them the belief to go on and take the three points. I'll be watching from my home in Greece and try to support them from there."
It is obvious from Garcia's tone that he has a deep, unwavering affection for Liverpool Football Club.
It remains a source of frustration for him that the injury he sustained during a Carling Cup defeat at home to Arsenal back in January 2007 proved to be his last competitive game for the Reds.
The rupture to the anterior cruciate ligament of his right knee ultimately meant he was ruled out of the Champions League final in Athens and robbed him of the chance to say a fitting farewell to the fans.
"To leave Liverpool the way I did was very hard for me," he admits.
"The injury denied me the chance to say goodbye properly. That's why the Jamie Carragher testimonial I played in recently was so important to me. It meant I could say farewell to the fans that supported me so much.
"I'd like to have had the chance play some more games. We got to the Champions League final again that year and I had played in a few of the matches on the way to the final. It was disappointing but I'd love to have been on the field in Athens, you never know what could have happened."
Garcia's stunning goal in Carra's testimonial triumph over Everton reminded supporters of the sheer genius he is capable of producing.
The Kop's unrelenting rendition of the Spaniard's Sangria song was one of the highlights of the afternoon and was clear evidence that the bond between both player and fans alike remains as strong as ever.
So, has he ever been tempted to pursue an emotional return on a permanent basis? And did he hear of the rumours regarding a shock move back to Liverpool last year?
"Well it was brilliant to hear the fans sing that song again. I can't put it into words. It was unbelievable to come back to see the fans and to play in that wonderful stadium again," he says. "I enjoyed scoring the goal and it was a perfect way to come back, especially as we beat Everton too!
"But no, there was nothing in the rumours. Well, nobody spoke to me or my agent about it anyway. Of course, I'd have loved that to have happened but I think it was something that was just made up by the press.
"I feel very good now. I'm fit and I'm playing well for Panathinkaikos. I'm very happy because I'm enjoying my football again and I'm playing in the Champions League. Things are good here in Greece.
"Now we just need Liverpool to keep improving and everything will be perfect. I still think they can have a good season. Fingers crossed they can get the result against Chelsea today."
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