'I was told' - Liverpool striker still haunted by transfer 'mistake' as reason for exit explained

Milan Baros didn't have to think twice when Liverpool came calling for his services in 2002. Three years of professional experience at Banik Ostrava was the grounding required for the talented striker to take the next step in his career, and there was only one country in Baros' mind regarding his next destination.

Bidding farewell to his home nation was a process simplified by the fact that the now 40-year-old was a name on the lips of many - it seemed a matter of when not if a transfer move would be on the agenda. Liverpool became the side to take a chance on Baros 20 years ago, who arrived in the English Premier League as somewhat of an unknown quantity.

"I came as a young boy from the Czech league, no one knew me. In the beginning, it was a bit difficult to get used to the pace, but then I enjoyed it and I spent nearly four years at the club. The fans were amazing, the stadium is perfect," Baros told the ECHO when reflecting on his move to Merseyside.

"It was my dream to play in England and when I got the offer to play for Liverpool, it was a dream come true. It wasn't a difficult decision. I came here, worked hard, got to the first-team and had some success. My family and I were preparing for that because six or seven months before I moved to Liverpool, there were some rumours that I would go abroad. I was prepared for that, so in the end they just said 'good luck and enjoy it'."

Baros is best remembered among Liverpool supporters for the club's unforgettable Champions League final comeback in 2005, having been one of the players selected by Rafa Benitez to start the showpiece fixture in Turkey.

Like many Reds supporters left in disbelief at three goals down with half the match played, the former Czech Republic