Frustrated fan García still smiling

Luis García may be missing from the Liverpool FC squad for the UEFA Champions League through injury but he is in Athens with the team and confident of a Liverpool victory.

Road to recovery
The Spanish international scored three goals in five matches in this season's competition before picking up a cruciate ligament injury in January. However, as he visited the Sony PlayStation Schools Cup event in Athens, García told uefa.com that he is almost back to full fitness. He said: "I don't feel any pain any more. I had the operation in Barcelona and the recovery was a lot quicker than I thought. I will be fit to play on 24 June and am back training."

Spanish support
García showed his commitment to grassroots football by spending his free morning looking for an event to become involved in and was keen to lend his support to the Spanish school taking part in the competition. García was part of the Liverpool party at the La Manga resort last week as they prepared for the final in the Spanish sunshine. He said: "It was a good trip and nice to be involved and the players needed a bit of sunshine to prepare themselves for Athens."

Liverpool destiny
García says he believes that Liverpool can continue their excellent record in European Champion Clubs' Cup finals. He said: "There is something about Liverpool in finals and it looks like it is our destiny to win again. I spoke to Steven Gerrard earlier and he and all the players are in good spirits. We are a close-knit team so I feel part of it."

Benítez praise
The diminutive former FC Barcelona player previously played under Rafael Benítez at CD Tenerife. He told uefa.com: "Ever since I was at Tenerife I knew that he would be a very successful coach. I have never seen a coach who is tactically so good and I don't want to play under any other coach. His tactics will be the key to the final and a Liverpool win."

Final faith
The 2005 winner is hopeful of a repeat success. He said: "I think 1-0 would be a great result for Liverpool. Milan are even stronger than last time but the fans can inspire us to victory. I just wish I could be involved. It's going to be so frustrating sat on the sidelines but I have faith in the boys to win it."