Liverpool hero Luis Garcia loved being back at Anfield yesterday for Steven Gerrard's Charity game.

The Champions League winner received a rapturous reception from a crowd of close to 45,000.

"I said from the first day I left the club, there was a connection with the fans and myself," the 36-year-old told Liverpoolfc.com. "I am watching all the time - I watch all the games.

"To feel the support of the people every time I come to Liverpool, or from the Tweets I receive, what can I say? I love them - that's all I can say!"

Garcia was one of a number of former Liverpool stars to grace the Anfield turf one more time, some of whom were making their first return to L4.

He added: "It was an amazing feeling to be back. I was speaking with Xabi and Dirk and they wanted the chance to say goodbye to the supporters. It was brilliant.

"The LFC Foundation are doing an amazing job, but for the guys it was also a great atmosphere and a great game to say 'bye'."