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Champions League winner opens up on big Liverpool decision
FORMER Liverpool striker Djibril Cisse has discussed his decision to take a penalty during the Reds' 2005 Champions League final win over AC Milan.
Djibril Cisse has discussed the 2005 Champions League final
Liverpool won a fifth Champions League title 12 years ago on a dramatic night in Instanbul.
Paolo Maldini and Chelsea flop Hernan Crespo (2) had given Milan a 3-0 lead.
But the Reds came roaring back courtesy of goals from Steven Gerrard, Vladimir Smicer and Xabi Alonso.
Cisse took - and scored - a penalty in the shootout despite breaking his leg earlier in the season.
Djibril Cisse holds aloft the Champions League trophy
And the now retired 35-year-old has admitted he asked to take a spot-kick despite his injury woe.
“I asked to take a pen," he told Soccer AM.
“My story is a little bit unusual, the way to the final. Four months earlier I was on crutches, trying to get fit for the next season – not to play Champions League football.
Liverpool celebrate being crowned Champions of Europe back in 2005
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"So, I was so lucky and so proud of everything I achieved to be there to help my team that night.
"For me, it was no pressure and no stress: just take your pen, do what you do best – scoring goals – and try to help your team as much as you can.
“It was unexpected for me to be there, in front of [the] amazing Liverpool fans."