ReactionDirk Kuyt delights in 'very special' Anfield return

The Dutchman was part of the squad that beat Chelsea FC Legends 2-0 in front of a near-60,000 crowd on Saturday, thanks to a brace from Peter Crouch.

All funds raised from another memorable day in L4 will support the vital work of LFC Foundation and other beneficiaries and Kuyt was delighted to play his part.

• You can make a donation to LFC Foundation here

“Very glad to be back,” Kuyt, who made 285 appearances for the club between 2006 and 2012, told Liverpoolfc.com.

“It’s always a pleasure to come back to Liverpool, especially for this occasion, to play for a full crowd at Anfield and feeling so much support for a very good cause – it’s always amazing and it never is boring to win! So, another win, it’s a good day for all of us.

“For us it is, I think, really special to be a former player of the club and still being so involved and still feeling so welcome as part of a very big family. But I think Liverpool Football Club is an example for many other clubs [on] how you can be that family.

“Of course, when Liverpool has to play a football game… for example this season, we really want Liverpool to win the league and we are really excited for the future. But I think days like today, that is what Liverpool is all about – being all together. I think all the former players want to be involved.

“Of course, it’s nice to play at Anfield but also they want to give something back to Liverpool because it gave us all so much back in the days, and now we have the opportunity all together with the fans to give something back to the community and that is something very special.”

Crouch was the match-winner on the day as he netted twice in front of the Kop and Kuyt enjoyed reuniting with his former teammate.

He added: “Just like the old days! I tried everything for him [to get his hat-trick] because I could play the last 10 minutes but it’s incredible. The first time Crouchy is playing with us, very excited.

“We already had a training session together and he really wanted to score, especially in front of the Kop. The first goal was amazing, the second one was also a nice one so we all tried to push him for a hat-trick but for him I think it’s an amazing day as well.”