Vladimir Smicer has recalled his heroics for Liverpool in the 2005 UEFA Champions League final.

The former Czech Republic international replaced the injured Harry Kewell early in the European decider with AC Milan in Istanbul as the Reds staged a dramatic comeback after trailing 3-0 at half-time.

Smicer scored Liverpool's second goal of the second half as they stormed back to a 3-3 draw which forced a penalty shootout in which he stepped up to the spot and converted before Jerzy Dudek saved Andriy Shevchenko's effort to give the Anfield club their fifth European triumph.

"Before the end of the game, I was thinking Rafa (Benitez) would come and ask if I wanted to shoot a penalty or not," he recalled," Smicer told LFC TV's '60 Minutes with... Vladimir Smicer'.

"I said to myself, 'Come on, you're 32, you're an international, you've played so many games at the highest level for Liverpool, let's go, it's a big chance'.

"I knew it would be my last kick for Liverpool but if I said no maybe I would be sitting here [wondering] why I didn't say yes.

"It's better to try; in life you need to take chances."