Milan Baros admitted he was delighted to net a brace for Galatasaray during Liverpool's 3-0 defeat in Istanbul on Thursday night - but insisted the Reds will always retain a special place in his heart.
The Czech forward struck twice in the first half at the Turk Telekom Arena as Kenny Dalglish's side slipped to defeat.
However, having made 108 appearances for Liverpool between 2001 and 2005 and featured in the Champions League final victory in Istanbul, Baros remains an enthusiastic follower of our fortunes.
"It is always nice to play against a team who you have played for. I was happy I scored and I think we played well," the striker told Liverpoolfc.tv. "I wish Liverpool all the best for the season.
"This is my fourth season here at Galatasaray and I am really happy. We didn't play well last season, but now we've signed some good players and I hope it's going to be better than last year.
"Of course I still look out for Liverpool's results. I always follow them because I am a big supporter of Liverpool. I spent three and a half years there and won the Champions League.
"I think it (the Champions League final) is the greatest game I have ever played in. Especially when we were 3-0 down at half-time and still managed to win. It was a special night and I think it was my best night in my football career.
"Liverpool will always stay in my heart. I hope they are going to play better than last year and they'll be closer to the top four and play for the title."
Baros has been impressed with Liverpool's resurgence under Dalglish - and he is confident the club's summer transfer dealings will see them challenging for the game's top honours in 2011-12.
He added: "The new signings add more quality to the team. The English league is very tough, but if everyone is going to be fit like Stevie G, Carra and all of the new players, I think they have a chance to be back up there."
One man in particular who has caught Baros's eye has been Luis Suarez.
The Uruguay striker made a seamless transition into English football following his January transfer to Anfield from Ajax - but Baros reckons there is more to come.
"You saw him at Ajax and for the national team and it was clear he had quality," he said. "He is a great player and is still young, so he can still improve. I think he will be a great player in Liverpool's future."
Only a handful of Liverpool fans made the journey to Istanbul for the friendly with Galatasaray on Thursday, though Baros is dreaming of a return to Anfield and a chance to come face-to-face with the Kop once more.
He said: "Liverpool fans have always been nice to me. I hope I can come back to Anfield one time and I can clap the fans. I hope they will be happy with the players, the team and the results and they will enjoy trophies again."
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