Robbie Fowler and Steve McManaman had a homecoming to remember as they helped England lift the inaugural European Former Players' Association Cup on Friday night.
The Anfield legends were part of Terry Venables' team, alongside ex-Red John Durnin and former Everton heroes Peter Reid and Dave Watson, who all played in the five-a-side tourament at the Echo Arena.
Evergreen Fowler, 35, rolled back the years by netting six goals over the course of the evening to win the Golden Boot award whilst McManaman, 38, hit four goals to finish third, one goal behind Masters veteran Durnin.
Speaking to Click Liverpool, Fowler revealed that he jumped at the opportunity to return home, especially to link up with his partner in crime once again.
"It's always nice to play in front of people who really appreciate football and anytime you can come and play in Liverpool, I always throw my hand up," he said.
"It's been a long time since I've played with Macca and it's no secret that I've always loved being in the same team as him.
"He's probably one of the best players I've ever played with. That's a high accolade because I've played with some great players, Steven Gerrard included, and it's just a privilege to be playing alongside these players.
"I think now, as much as they're not playing now, the players are still competitive and always want to give it their best shot."
England defeated a Rest of the World side which featured Istanbul hero Vladimir Smicer and was coached by Kop hero Ian Rush, who was delighted to see some of his former team mates back in action.
He said: "I was speaking to Robbie and he just loves playing and he's still playing professionally in Australia and Macca's always there whenever you need to help out Liverpool, so it's great to see them both turn out."
Stars from the world of music and television also played in the tournament with The Coral's James Skelly and Lee Mavers from The La's doing battle with the cast of Hollyoaks and One Show presenter Adrian Chiles.
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