*is devestated*

[Helen]

Rafa Benitez has confirmed Vladimir Smicer won't be offered a new contract this summer, ending his six-year spell on Merseyside.

Smicer had already resigned himself to leaving Anfield after the club failed to approach him to renew a deal which expires in June.

Benitez said Smicer has now been informed he is not part of his plans for next season as he's bringing in new recruits.

However, the Anfield boss insists Smicer still has a role at the club for the remaining league and European fixtures, and he's impressed with the response of the 31-year-old midfielder so far.

Benitez said: "Smicer knows the door is closed on a new contract, but we've had a good talk face to face and been honest about the situation. That doesn't mean he won't play a part in the last few games.

"He will end his career at the club at the end of the season. He is a good professional and after talking with him its been clear he's determined to play as much as possible and he'll do everything he can to help us in the last games. You can see that from the way he played against Portsmouth."



wahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

[Helen]

VLADI: I'M SO PROUD TO HAVE BEEN A RED

Paul Eaton 18 May 2005

Vladimir Smicer today reflected on his leaving of Liverpool and admitted he's proud to have played for one of the greatest clubs in world football.
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has told Smicer he can leave the Reds at the end of the season, bringing his six year association with the Reds to an end.

The Czech star wants to remain in English football and is currently considering offers from a number of clubs.

"It's sad for me to be leaving because when you spend six years of your life at a club, it will always be in your heart," said Smicer.

"Liverpool is one of the biggest and best clubs in the world so I'm sorry to be leaving. I was sad I didn't get the chance to play for the final time at Anfield, but perhaps I will be back next season with a different club. I would like to stay here because, for me, the Premiership is the best league in the world.

"The Spanish league is more technical and Italy has always been strong, but the atmosphere in Serie A is not the same as here. The standard of football in this country is getting better and better, which is shown by Chelsea and Arsenal and the fact Liverpool can get into the Champions League Final."

So what memories of his time at Anfield will Vladi take away with him?

"The highest point was obviously winning five winners' medals in 2001," he said.

"That was a great season for us. My biggest regret is my injuries. I had a difficult start and it seemed every time I was finding some form I was injured.

"I know not everyone liked me as a player, but I had a lot of supporters and good friends here and I just wish I hadn't suffered so many injuries because then I could have shown more consistency.

"I feel my best games came when I played in a more central position where I could get involved more. I was never a winger."

Smicer is now hoping he can have one final great moment in a Liverpool shirt by helping the Reds to Champions League glory next week.

"I hope I can be involved," he said. "There would be no better way to end a career at Liverpool than playing a role in the Champions League Final. When I was injured, I dreamed Liverpoolwouldplay and beat AC Milan in the San Siro.

"I hope this comes true. I played a small part against Bayer Leverkusen and Juventus earlier in the competition but all I can do is wait and see what happens next week.

"Now I'd just like to say goodbye to everyone at Liverpool and say how proud I am to have been at the club. A victory next week will be the best way to go."



wahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

[clairejaytrev]

I was gonna post this but I didn't want to upset you babes.