God guides García to Istanbul

By Brian Brownstein

Luis García believes divine inspiration has helped to guide Liverpool FC to the UEFA Champions League final.

Divine guidance
The Spaniard is still in shock that his team have made it to the showpiece against AC Milan at Istanbul's Atatürk Olympic Stadium, and he credits their success to a helping hand from above. "Somebody up there wants Liverpool to win the competition this year," he told uefa.com. "That is why we have to win in Istanbul.

'Amazing ride'
"We can't lose it now. I didn't believe it was possible for us to go this far. I thought it would take at least two years to get to this sort of stage and I don't think I was alone. On paper reaching the final didn't seem possible, so it's been an amazing ride for everyone."

Lucky mascot
García has been something of a talisman for Liverpool in this season's competiton. The 26-year-old midfield player has scored in each of the knockout rounds in the Anfield side's remarkable run to the final, and hopes he can hit the target again to earn victory for the Merseysiders.

Familiar territory
He said: "I have had a great run in the Champions League this season and some people are saying I am a lucky charm because of the goals I scored. I hope that continues in Istanbul. My style of play is more adaptable to Champions League football because the matches are similar to those that I was used to in Spain."

Fifth title
The four-time European Champion Clubs' Cup winners have not lifted the trophy since 1984, and García is aware that by helping to claim a fifth title, he and his team-mates would be etching their names into the club's history books. " Some of our fans have never been this far in Europe," he said. "We can become legends if we win in Istanbul."

Expert guidance
García was quick to give coach Rafael Benítez credit for Liverpool's success, saying: "Benítez knows how to get the best out of every Liverpool player but he also has everybody's respect. Because of his knowledge of the game and tactics, all of the players listen to him and know what to do.

Minor miracle
"We're a real team unit and that is what Rafa Benítez has created," he added. "It's one of his main strengths as a manager. I think it is really impressive that he has forged this strong team unit in such a short space of time with practically a whole new team. It shows how good he is."

Career high
García is just beginning to grasp the enormity of Liverpool's achievement, saying: "This is easily the biggest game of my career. It's a great feeling to be in a match of this size. It's like a [FIFA] World Cup final. It will be the best moment of my career so far and I will never forget it."

Brilliant achievement
The prospect of winning the trophy is something García feels is within Liverpool's abilities, but even if they fail, it will have been a brilliant campaign. "We have a lot of confidence that in Istanbul we can do something very important for this club and for our wonderful, brilliant fans," said García.

Only one
"But if we don't defeat Milan it will still have been a great journey for the club," he concluded. "What we have done is very important for Liverpool. You have to put things in perspective and realise that only one team in Europe can be the champions each year."