Thiago Alcantara has looked back on his four-year spell with Liverpool, describing it as one of the ‘best times’ of his professional career.
The former Reds midfielder concluded his trophy-laden playing days in July, following the expiration of his contract with the club.
Thiago, who made a total of 98 appearances for Liverpool, returned to Anfield on Saturday afternoon to watch the match against Nottingham Forest from the stands. He has spent recent months coaching at Barcelona.
“I miss being around – being around the team and the locker room,” the former Spain international told Liverpoolfc.com.
“I miss the competitive part of the game.
“But at the end, the decision [to retire] was forced by physical issues.
‘But I’m just keeping fit and trying to play as much as I can with my friends, and trying to be alive in the game.
“Well, at the end I had the chance to get into football again, helping the coaching staff of Barcelona.
“I decided for the practical part, not for the theory – just because of the experience I had doing all these years in football and the kind of role I had in the team.
“I just want to pass it through to other players.
“I love to help new players as well, young players to develop under the coach. It was pretty good spirits.
He added: “Yeah, you just get to know this side of life because since we were young we didn’t have more time for ourselves to know how life is more at home.
“But also to be close to football, still doing analysis, coaching some boys and also living the game as well as a fan.
“It’s always been a goal to be at this stadium not just as a player but also as a fan.
“I had the fortune – life gave me the chance – to be here for four years as a football player.
“I believe it was one of the best times of my life as well.
:Now I have the chance any time being such a warm welcome from the fans, and the players as well.
“It’s a pretty good time to be here.”
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