Losing the Champions League final would be one of the lowest days in any footballer’s life, let alone career.
Yet, Rafa Benitez allegedly decided that would be the perfect moment to tell one of his former Liverpool players he wasn’t needed. The Merseysiders were outclassed by a wonderful AC Milan side in the 2007 showcase affair. They left everything on the pitch at the Olympic Stadium in Athens, but the Italian giants still ran out 2-1 winners. Yet, according to Craig Bellamy, Benitez told him he would be departing the club before the red and black confetti had a chance to fall.
“On the way back, [from the 2007 Champions League Final], he [Rafa Benítez] comes and sits next to me,” Bellamy said to the Overlap in partnership with Sky Bet. “He said that they’ve identified other targets, that they feel they are able to bring in.
“If you feel there is an opportunity for you to go to another club, speak to your agent, you’re able to go and explore that.” While he would have been surprised to be told his fate at that difficult moment, the Welshman was not completely shocked by the news.
