“There are places I’ll remember all my life” – Players reminisce on the Miracle of Istanbul
The overwhelming emotions triggered by that night in Istanbul 15 years ago today ensures all those involved and watching on are more than happy to relive the day which is immortalised in sporting history.
Should one ask why football, why Liverpool – you simply point them in the direction of the Miracle of Istanbul and it will speak for itself.
While no one could have anticipated what was to unfold on May 25, 2005, the events which transpired in the Ataturk Stadium means Rafa Benitez’s men will never be forgotten.
And every passing anniversary is rightly celebrated and this one is no different.
Former players have taken to their social media platforms to celebrate the day, with post after post inviting comments from a host of Reds as they commemorate the shared achievement with their teammates.
Both Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard made a reference to a line from John Lennon which has become synonymous with Liverpool Football Club as they left their video and picture to speak for itself:
There are places I’ll remember……
— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) May 25, 2020
Luis Garcia, Anthony Le Tallec and Florent Sinama-Pongolle, the latter two of whom were not in the matchday squad for the final but did feature throughout the campaign, all shared their own unique video as they reflected on what was a “magical” and “amazing” game of football:
Neil Mellor, whose contribution proved vital on the road to Istanbul, posted a brilliant throwback photo with the skipper and Ol’ Big Ears:
15 years ago: Sharing a beer with the skipper and celebrating the greatest ever European Cup final victory #LFC #istanbul #Onthisday #championsleague ?????? pic.twitter.com/87xqsKTENA
— Neil Mellor (@NeilMellor33) May 25, 2020
For Djibril Cisse and Fernando Morientes, it was a time to laud the entire squad for their triumph in a game which epitomised that “the champion never gives up”:
Similarly, Sami Hyypia, Harry Kewell and Jerzy Dudek were full of appreciation for the Liverpool faithful and still in awe of what proved to be an “UNFORGETTABLE” evening:
One which made a notable impression on the current squad, with a six-year-old Trent Alexander-Arnold watching on with his brothers and a 19-year-old James Milner both taking to Twitter to share their memories of the game:
Still remember watching it with my brothers. What a night ? #YNWA pic.twitter.com/rSqzvN4xlN
— Trent Alexander-Arnold (@trentaa98) May 25, 2020
I was a teenager watching this game – it was incredible what the #5times team did that night ????? https://t.co/ibU2JOrPG8
— James Milner (@JamesMilner) May 25, 2020
And finally, even Jurgen Klopp himself, who was managing Mainz at the time, could not hide his delight as he exuded childlike joy upon realising what day it was:
The boss when he realises it’s Istanbul 2005 anniversary… ?
Enjoy your bank holiday Monday and #StaySafe, Reds ? pic.twitter.com/hoQhHEqIAy
— Liverpool FC (at ?) (@LFC) May 25, 2020
The day of May 25, 2005, is one which proves that anything is possible and it is always heartwarming to see players and fans alike come together to commemorate the incredible triumph every single year.
