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.
This story is from the November 05, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November 05, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Japan's True Blue Tradition
Call it an antidote to fast fashion. Japanese jeans hand-dyed with natural indigo and weaved on a clackety vintage loom, then sold at a premium to global denim connoisseurs.
6 easy dishes to pack for lunch
Nutritionists and food content creators suggest these healthy and convenient recipes
Don't cross Culinary Class Wars star Anh Sung-jae of three-Michelin-starred Mosu
On an early episode of Netflix's hit reality cooking show Culinary Class Wars (2024), chef Anh Sung-jae stood in a warehouse filled with makeshift cooking stations and considered the plate in front of him: a rainbow palette of handmade pastas, purees and delicately cooked seafood. On top was a smattering of flower petals.
Emerald Hill to make Netflix debut
Emerald Hill looks set to be the must-watch local blockbuster series of 2025.
Refreshed museums in SG60 arts
A timely slate of refreshed spaces and new programmes at Singapore's arts and cultural institutions will be launched in 2025, wooing audiences with a different Singapore story as the nation gears up to mark 60 years of independence.
Going casual to woo fickle diners
Serious artwork on the wall. Bespoke crockery on cloth-covered tables. A fine wine list. Eye-watering menu prices. Just don't call it a fine-dining restaurant.
Smartwatches Make Healthcare Smarter
From tracking heart rate to steps taken to sleep quality, smartwatches and fitness trackers can generate biometric data about the people using them.
Quality, not quantity, rules the superhero game
In 2025, the big studios are rolling up their sleeves to tackle a disease plaguing the box office – superhero fatigue.
Big-name musicals to hit the stage
Soothing melodies and soaring high notes are set to fill the air, as the coming year brings along a host of musicals to the Lion City.
Celebrating design with SG60, new hotels and theme parks
Architecture and urban design take centre stage in 2025, with marquee events such as a year-long celebration of Singapore's 60th year of independence (SG60) and launches of Sentosa attractions to enhance the destination's \"islander allure\".
