InterviewThiago: It was one of the best times of my life being at Liverpool
Thiago Alcantara has reflected on his four-year Liverpool spell, describing it as one of the 'best times' of his professional career.
The former Reds midfielder brought his trophy-laden playing days to a close in July after the expiration of his contract with the club.
Thiago – who made 98 appearances in total for Liverpool – was back at Anfield on Saturday afternoon to watch the fixture with Nottingham Forest from the stands, having spent time coaching at Barcelona in recent months.
Ahead of the match, he spoke to Liverpoolfc.com exclusively about his retirement and what’s next…
On how much he misses football…
I miss being around – being around the team and the locker room. 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.
On what’s next for him…
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.
On enjoying having more time for life now…
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.
On the emotions of being back at Anfield as a supporter…
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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