Bolo Zenden offers thoughts on Liverpool’s rivalry with Chelsea

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Bolo Zenden had a varied life in football, playing for Barcelona in 2001 and Middlesbrough in 2003, and he’s recently spoken out about his career.

The Dutchman joined Liverpool following a sparkling season with the Boro, but injuries meant he didn’t get off to a flying start at Anfield.

Zenden did kick on to become an important cog in the machine the was the Reds’ 2007 Champions League charge.

The dynamic midfielder scored in the penalty shootout against Chelsea, his former club, which confirmed our place in Athens to face Milan.

Playing for Liverpool is something very special,” Zenden told Planet Football. “With their fans, the history of the club, the way their fans are united with the players.

European nights at Anfield are just amazing. To be able to win a trophy, doing something for the fans is always great.

It’s a great memory to have, to the final ahead of Chelsea. Before, the rivalry wasn’t so big, but Liverpool and Chelsea met [many] times in different cups so it was a special moment for me to score such a vital penalty in the shootouts.”

The Dutchman won the UEFA Super Cup with the Reds in his first season and became somewhat of a cult hero – even if he netted only two goals in two years.

He was never able to rediscover the form we saw at Middlesbrough. His injuries and advancing age really took the edge off his game.

Rafa Benitez earmarked Zenden to replace Didi Hamann in midfield, but, at the end of his contract, he left for France after two seasons with Liverpool to join Marseille.

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