Credit :The Players Tribune
Liverpool's Xabi Alonso Talks 2005 UEFA Champions League Final in The Players’ Tribune’s Travel Like A Champion Series, Sponsored by Expedia
Ahead of today's Champions League match between Liverpool and Milan, which is the first time Liverpool FC plays AC Milan at San Siro Stadium, the former footballer turned manager, Xabi Alonso opens up about the most memorable match between the two - the 2005 UEFA Champions League Final in Istanbul- in the latest episode of The Players’ Tribune travel docu-series, Travel Like A Champion.
This series, created in partnership with Expedia, Official Travel Companion of the UEFA Champions League, follows football legends as they travel the world, sharing their favorite destinations, travel memories and unforgettable life experiences in Madrid, Manchester, Istanbul and more.
In this episode, former Liverpool defender Xabi Alonso recounts what it was like to be in Istanbul for the famous 2005 Champions League Final against Milan.
“Istanbul is not a normal city. It is so different and it’s not like something where you will see the same streets or the same shops in a different European city...we still feel a special connection with the city,” Xabi Alonso.
In recalling the now iconic comeback that Liverpool achieved against Milan, Alonso shares his perspective around his game-changing score.
“It was my first professional penalty. I had never taken a penalty as a professional player...The penalty wasn’t that bad but Milan made a great save, but I had the quickest reaction ever in my career and with that rebound, I was reborn,” Xabi Alonso.