A decade has now passed since Patrik Berger wore Liverpool colours, but the former Czech Republic star retains a strong connection with the club he considers 'one of the best in the world'.

The 40-year-old signed for the Reds in the summer of 1996 and instantly became a supporters' favourite on the Kop as a result of his stylish dribbling and unrivalled powerful shooting.

Berger, now retired, maintains a close eye on his old team and delivered a glowing report on a start to the 2013-14 campaign which has seen Brendan Rodgers' side claim second place in the Barclays Premier League.

He told the Liverpool Echo: "Pretty much every weekend that I am at home I make sure I watch Liverpool's games. So far, so good this season.

"Liverpool are just a couple of points from the top of the table and if somebody had offered me that at the start of the season, then I would've taken it.

"Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez look really good together and they can affect any game.

"I also really like Philippe Coutinho. He is a great player and, next to him, Steven Gerrard is as solid as he ever was. At the back Liverpool look quite strong as well this season.

"They are doing really well and if they can stay there over the Christmas period and then make a few additions, then they can keep going.

"If you can get into the Champions League you will attract the best players. The best players want to be playing Champions League football year in, year out."

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In total, Berger notched 35 goals in almost 200 appearances during seven years at Liverpool; the ex-forward also contributed to the treble season of 2000-01.

They are memories the Czech will never forget. In fact, his nostalgic feelings are growing stronger all the time.

"It was a great time at Liverpool and I had seven fantastic years there," he added.

"I didn't realise it at the time but I was playing for one of the best teams in the world.

"It is only now and when I travel around the world playing for the legends team and in the Premier League Masters games that I can really see how big a club Liverpool is.

"I realise now just how lucky I was to be chosen to play for Liverpool. The year we won five trophies was definitely the highlight.

"It was something to remember because nobody had done anything like that before and football is all about trophies. It was just an incredible achievement."