Liverpool shocked the football world by re-signing former Kop idol Robbie Fowler on a free transfer from Manchester City.
The Toxteth-born forward, who had endured a difficult time since leaving Anfield in November 2001, had looked a shadow of his former self until he was brought back to his spiritual home by Reds boss Rafael Benitez.
On returning Fowler could not hide his delight and admitted it was beyond his wildest dreams to be back.
"After I signed I sat in my car outside Anfield and was incredibly emotional," he said at the time.
"It is unbelievable, a dream come true for me. I can hardly believe that I am back. One of my biggest regrets in football was my final game at Liverpool when I was taken off at half-time against Sunderland.
"I never got the chance to say goodbye to the fans. Now I am getting the chance to do things properly with the fans and it is just such a great feeling. I am here and and I am committed to a future at Liverpool."
Benitez's decision to bring 'God' back to Anfield sparked jubilant celebrations among supporters, and the boss was quick to point out just what he expected from the returning Fowler.
"He's always been a goalscorer, and can bring important things to our team," said Benitez.
"He's not match-fit, how can he be after being out for three months? But he's so clever he can get a goal walking, where other players wouldn't running. At 50 per cent maybe he can get five goals, at 80 per cent fitness, maybe even 15.
"If Robbie is fit, he could play for any club in the world. He's such a good player. He's been knocking the goals in during training already, it's clear that when it comes to scoring goals he's a natural. If you haven't £100m to spend every year and want to get to the top, you must use your imagination. We've done that with Robbie.
"I've told him 'maybe we need to see him fit in the last month of the season', but he can give us other things now, such as passion and competitiveness in positions. We have created chances this season, but we need to score more goals."
Benitez also added that it felt good to have another Scouser in his ranks.
"One of the other reasons for bringing Robbie back was to sign another local player. You know I always say that the English players have the passion that you need and they know the Premier League.
"That was one idea - and if you can sign a local player it's good for team spirit in the dressing room."
Robbie's second spell at Anfield would last less than two years, in which time he scored 12 goals in 39 appearances.
The Toxteth-born forward, who had endured a difficult time since leaving Anfield in November 2001, had looked a shadow of his former self until he was brought back to his spiritual home by Reds boss Rafael Benitez.
On returning Fowler could not hide his delight and admitted it was beyond his wildest dreams to be back.
"After I signed I sat in my car outside Anfield and was incredibly emotional," he said at the time.
"It is unbelievable, a dream come true for me. I can hardly believe that I am back. One of my biggest regrets in football was my final game at Liverpool when I was taken off at half-time against Sunderland.
"I never got the chance to say goodbye to the fans. Now I am getting the chance to do things properly with the fans and it is just such a great feeling. I am here and and I am committed to a future at Liverpool."
Benitez's decision to bring 'God' back to Anfield sparked jubilant celebrations among supporters, and the boss was quick to point out just what he expected from the returning Fowler.
"He's always been a goalscorer, and can bring important things to our team," said Benitez.
"He's not match-fit, how can he be after being out for three months? But he's so clever he can get a goal walking, where other players wouldn't running. At 50 per cent maybe he can get five goals, at 80 per cent fitness, maybe even 15.
"If Robbie is fit, he could play for any club in the world. He's such a good player. He's been knocking the goals in during training already, it's clear that when it comes to scoring goals he's a natural. If you haven't £100m to spend every year and want to get to the top, you must use your imagination. We've done that with Robbie.
"I've told him 'maybe we need to see him fit in the last month of the season', but he can give us other things now, such as passion and competitiveness in positions. We have created chances this season, but we need to score more goals."
Benitez also added that it felt good to have another Scouser in his ranks.
"One of the other reasons for bringing Robbie back was to sign another local player. You know I always say that the English players have the passion that you need and they know the Premier League.
"That was one idea - and if you can sign a local player it's good for team spirit in the dressing room."
Robbie's second spell at Anfield would last less than two years, in which time he scored 12 goals in 39 appearances.
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