I need only talk about the venue and the memories come pouring back. Istanbul.

Say the word at Anfield and that is enough. It is the same for Paris and Rome. To some they conjure images of landmarks from Europe’s greatest cities. For Liverpool supporters these locations are inseparable from the pictures of Emlyn Hughes, Phil Thompson, Graeme Souness and Steven Gerrard lifting the European Cup.

I played 737 games for Liverpool. No matter where I go, supporters ask about one. My career – and that of each of my teammates on that glorious evening in the Ataturk Stadium - is defined by victory over AC Milan in 2005.

Everything I aspired to be as a footballer was geared towards preparing me for that moment. Everything I aspired to after was about maintaining the standard that helped achieve that ambition.

The reputation of those of us who won that night is bonded for eternity. Many years ago I watched a documentary about the British and Irish Lions touring South Africa in 1997. Sir Ian McGeechan was speaking to his squad before the second Test, and the words he delivered resonate when I think of the Champions League final.