Video by NabilStevieG
He was absolutely maddening at points, wasn’t he? Sometimes, you’d think he lost possession for the mere joy of trying to win it back; flicks that didn’t come off, little tricks that defenders easily read, under-hit passes or ones that went to nowhere and no one. A sane manager would have transfer listed him after choking him out had it not been for the magic in his boots – ’cause when it all came off, oh boy was it something special.
We still sing his name from time to time and the Kop is sure to give him a rousing rendition this weekend against Aston Villa with news coming out this morning that Luis Garcia is hanging up his boots. The much travelled, and decorated, attacker is calling time on a 17-year career after playing for some of Europe’s most illustrious clubs and, most famously, winning the Champions League with Liverpool in 2005.
He really was something else; anyone who saw those goals will never, ever forget them – that is, unless you were supporting the wrong side. His volley against Juventus still stands out in my mind as one of the most sublime things I’ve ever seen on a football pitch and his goals against Chelsea, in the Champions League semi-final and the FA Cup semi-final, will go down in Reds folklore as monumental moments that will stand the test of time and glory to come.
On his official website, Garcia showed his appreciation for the Liverpool supporters that made him feel welcome on Merseyside and continue to make him feel like a Red even after he’s long departed. “(Thanks) to Liverpool FC, for making me pass through the history of international football and be part of the Red family, forever “said the Spanish attacker. “To each and every one of the people over my 17-year career that have been with me, have helped me and supported me at every stage, I will be forever grateful.”
Rest assured, we’re just as grateful, Luis.
