Vladimir Smicer has spoken with pride about his European Cup final heroics and declared: I owed it to the fans.
The Czech midfielder scored
Liverpool’s second goal against AC Milan before converting the vital third penalty in the shoot-out.
It turned out to be his last game for the club but, 17 months on, the 33-year-old has yet to stop smiling.
“When Rafa asked me if I wanted to take a penalty I said yes straight away,” said Smicer, now playing for tomorrow’s opponents Bordeaux.
“I wanted the responsibility and the chance to show that I was a good player after all.
“I can remember going up for my penalty, taking the ball and feeling really, really confident. At that moment, I wasn’t thinking about it being my final kick for the club.
“I just wanted to make sure I gave
Liverpool, and the fans, something back.
“I still think about it a lot. It was the biggest moment of my career and to finish with a goal, a penalty and the trophy gave me a lot of pleasure.”
A hamstring injury means Smicer is unlikely to face his former teammates tomorrow night, but he does plan to show his face at the team hotel at some stage.
“When the draw was made I couldn’t believe it. I am so disappointed not to be playing, but maybe I will be fit to play at Anfield.”
