LIVERPOOL - Xabi Alonso returns to Anfield for the first time on Nov 5, as his Bayer Leverkusen side take on Liverpool in the Champions League, the trophy he helped the Reds famously win in 2005.
He played 210 games for Liverpool between 2004 and 2009, with the highlight undoubtedly being the miracle comeback in their Champions League final victory over AC Milan in Istanbul, Turkey.
The Spaniard scored Liverpool's third goal in seven minutes to bring them level to 3-3 before they went on to win on penalties.
Alonso, 42, remains hugely popular with Liverpool fans and could have been in the home dugout had things gone differently. Last season, after Jurgen Klopp's shock decision to leave the club, Liverpool fans - who had taken notice of Alonso's incredible run at Leverkusen - were hoping he could be headed to Merseyside.
Alonso, though, knocked back the reported interest from Liverpool, as well as from former sides Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, to stay at Leverkusen.
He still speaks fondly of his time as a player on Merseyside and said he was eagerly awaiting his return.
"Champions League at Anfield? It doesn't get much better than that. This game means a lot to me. It will be a big game," he said.
Denne historien er fra November 05, 2024-utgaven av The Straits Times.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra November 05, 2024-utgaven av The Straits Times.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
British novelist David Lodge was twice shortlisted for Booker Prize
British novelist David Lodge, who was shortlisted for the Booker Prize twice, has died at the age of 89, his publisher said on Jan 3.
A CITY FOR BABIES
After a successful experiment, The City of Babies Lab has opened a new permanent space dedicated to children aged from birth to 23 months.
Scientist Names 16 New Spider Species After Jay Chou's Songs
A Chinese scientist has named 16 new spider species after songs by popular Mandopop musician Jay Chou.
Actress JJ Jia Xiaochen upset with hubby for not remembering wedding anniversary
Chinese actress JJ Jia Xiaochen has grumbled about her husband, Hong Kong action star Louis Fan, on social media again.
Actress Chen Liping leaves Mediacorp after 40 years
Actress Chen Liping, a household name in the local entertainment industry, has left broadcaster Mediacorp after 40 years.
Raising four cats costly, but gives Rui En four times the joy
In this new series, The Straits Times speaks to pet-owning personalities about the trials and delights of raising their fur kids
Vet Talk Check that your pet is eating safely during the festive season
Pet ownership is on the rise in Singapore, with many families treating their furry companions as one of their own.
Learning to embrace change positively
On the last evening of our recent family holiday, my three children were having a boisterous conversation in the bedroom of the apartment we were staying in.
STRONGER, TOGETHER
Good parent-teacher relationships can boost a child's confidence and holistic development
Roaring Off To A-League Adventure
Tan makes Brisbane debut as sub in loss to Canberra on her return from knee surgery
