Kuyt inspired by Liverpool's 'Spirit of Istanbul' as he chases European glory with Fenerbahce



Dirk Kuyt is channelling the spirit of Liverpool's unforgettable 2005 Champions League final comeback in Istanbul as he aims to guide one of the city's clubs to European glory.

The Dutch striker joined Liverpool a year after the memorable win over AC Milan, but is still drawing inspiration from that success while playing for Fenerbahce in the Europa League.

The Turkish team knocked Lazio out in the last round to set up a semi-final with Benfica and now Kuyt wants to re-write history by helping them to a maiden European trophy.

Istanbul spirit: Six years on from his Champions League final with Liverpool, Dirk Kuyt is now hoping to guide Fenerbahce to Europa League success

He told Liverpool's official website : 'I'm here to write history and that's what we are doing. We have reached the semi-finals of the Europa League for the first time and are in the race for the league as well as the cup.

'There are no guarantees in football, for example Liverpool were 3-0 down against AC Milan in the Champions League final however still managed to win the game.



Vital goal: Kuyt scored the second goal in the first leg of Fenerbahce's quarter-final with Lazio

'At the highest level you have to keep concentration, we knew that even though we had a 2-0 advantage over Lazio we couldn't afford to lose focus.'

Kuyt featured in the 2007 Champions League final, when AC Milan gained a measure of revenge over Liverpool with a 2-1 win in Athens, so the 32-year-old is no stranger to the biggest games.

Memories: Kuyt scored Liverpool's goal in the 2007 Champions League final with Milan, though they lost 2-1 in Athens

The fact the Europa League final is to be held in Amsterdam is another motivation.

'I want to relive the Liverpool European Cup final with Fenerbahce,' he said.