Former Liverpool star Vladimir Smicer has revealed that Rafa Benitez ’s brutal farewell left Reds icon Steven Gerrard fuming with the Spaniard.
The ex-Czech international spent six years at Anfield having arrived from French club Lens as Steve McManaman ’s replacement, who left for Real Madrid on a free transfer. Smicer won the FA Cup, UEFA Cup and two League Cups during his time on Merseyside but his highlight will no doubt be the Reds’ Champions League victory in 2005.
Liverpool famously came from 3-0 down against AC Milan to run out winners via a penalty shootout. After Gerrard had given the Reds hope in Istanbul, Smicer got himself on the scoresheet to reduce the deficit to just one. Xabi Alonso then scored the equaliser for Liverpool.
