Steve Finnan believes his injury is the main reason why Liverpool won the 2005 Champions League final.

The Irish right-back was subbed off at half-time in the European decider against AC Milan in Istanbul when the score was 3-0.

Finnan, who was replaced by German midfielder Didi Hamann, feels Rafael Benitez's tactics were forced to change after his thigh injury and suggests his absence is the reason the Reds completed a remarkable comeback to claim the crown.

"I always say I changed the game that night," Finnan told the Liverpool Echo.

"If I hadn't have got injured, we wouldn't have won the European Cup. That injury I got was the best thing that ever happened to Liverpool.

"At the time I wasn't happy but it was the right decision. With me coming off, Rafa changed the system. Didi was so important to the comeback that followed.

"I was having treatment so I missed all three of our goals.

"But I knew what was happening. I could tell from the roars. I knew it was us scoring because the noise was so great."

Finnan added: "I played in most of the games leading up to the final and then to win the Champions League with Liverpool was the greatest night of my career."