Players come and go but Legends transpire

It is part and parcel of football when players come and go, some leave without a trace or memory in the fans minds while others become part of the Club’s history and become Legends… One of those is Luis Garcia who announced his retirement from football yesterday at the age of 35.  He even paid tribute to Liverpool FC and how we helped him along his footballing journey.

“To Rafa Benitez and Pako Ayestarán, for teaching me to show my best ……..and to Liverpool FC for making me pass to the history of international football and be part of the Red family, forever…. And last but not least, the fans, to all who have followed me over the years , always with good intentions , always encouraging and motivating me every game to be a better player every day.”

I first wrote about Luis’ career and how it had progressed in 2012.

Today I want to say thanks to a player, who has a special place in my heart after meeting him in 2004 at Melwood when he had only been at the Club for a few months, he was a shy fellow who loved wearing headbands and his English was very basic. We sat down and conversed in Spanish his eyes lit up and was so happy that I had took the time to make him feel welcome and at ease. To this day I like to think I helped him settle in at Liverpool.

He was the player for the big occasion scoring wonder goals in important games; Luis could make something out of nothing and was someone who could ‘unlock the door’ but frustrate you at the same time. Luis scored 30 goals & 13 assists during his time at Anfield (a goal every 191 minutes) Numbers don’t do justice to his contribution as he played a massive part during Rafa’s first years at the Club and sometimes Garcia does not get the credit he ultimately deserves.

His goals against Juventus and Chelsea (yes that goal) still make the hairs on the back of my neck stand up when I watch them back and I haven’t told many people this but in celebrating those goals when emotions take over I nearly fell out of my wheelchair but it was well worth it to be part of such special European Nights.

His goals whether against Everton, Charlton, Tottenham or his numerous European goals, his wonderful smile and his thumb-sucking celebration in memory of his young son Joel, his moments of magic, his song and even the times he left more than 40,000 fans inside Anfield exasperated as an unnecessarily complicated pass or touch went wrong, ensured that he will forever be remembered fondly by Liverpool and its fans.

One image that I think summed Luis up was this one……

It showed a person who gave everything and ultimately his dreams were fulfilled I still cry when I see the picture.

Luis Garcia you really were a special talent thank you for making me laugh, cry and most of all proud to be a red. I wish you well wherever your journey in life takes you next.

“una vez que nunca se reunió olvidado”

once met never forgotten  – YNWA!

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