My victory cigar lasted all night

By STEVEN HOWARD in Istanbul

THE party was well under way when Vladimir Smicer called over a waiter.

"I want a cigar," said the non-smoking Czech.

The midfielder, who scored in normal time and the penalty shootout on Wednesday, got more than he bargained for.

He said: "It was the biggest in the world — as big as the room!

"I'm a big ice hockey fan and it's always a tradition in America for owners and players to light up a cigar if you win a trophy.

"But this one was enormous. Every time I went to relight it, it seemed to be the same size. It lasted all night!"

So did Smicer as he eventually boarded the team bus for the airport without troubling his bed.

It had been a tremendous night for the veteran Czech — and one of high emotion. For he knew he would never again wear the red Liverpool shirt.

Smicer, 32, said: "Going round the stadium at the end was very sad — very, very emotional and I had tears in my eyes. But I will never forget it.

"Winning the Champions League in your last game, how could anyone go out better?

"I thought I wouldn't get a chance in the final. But I prepared well and when I came on I was ready.

"I felt I owed something to Liverpool because I had a lot of injuries and was out of the team for a long time after my operation last summer.

"The club allowed me to go to America for treatment, I had the best surgeon in the business. Then they waited and, finally, put their faith in me. I am so happy I was able to give something back.

"I also wanted to show the fans I was a good player — I know I haven't been one of their favourites.

"I wanted to show them I could play football. I think I did that. Yet I don't think anyone in our dressing room believed it was possible for us to win.

"But I recall we were 3-1 up against Alaves in the UEFA Cup final and they got it back to 3-3 — so I knew anything could happen.

"But not against AC Milan. That was just impossible!

"But there were 45,000 Liverpool people out there and we couldn't let them down.

"When we got to the shootout the manager asked me if I was ready. I said 'Sure, I'll have a go. I feel fine, I feel good today.'

"Then he asked me about my cramp and I said 'Sure, I have cramp but it's only a couple of metres to run to the penalty spot! Don't worry, I won't fall over!'

"I watched John Arne Riise run up for his penalty and thought 'If he scores then I'm on for the winner. I'm going to actually WIN the Champions League.' Then he missed and I thought 'Oh wow, it's not going to be me after all'.

"I knew exactly what I was going to do with mine. We practised penalties and I told everyone I was going to put it to the right, my favourite place."

Now he is on his way, with Charlton and Birmingham leading the chase. But there is no problem. He said: "Rafa Benitez is the manager and he has to make the decisions, sometimes tough ones.

"He wants to build a new team, I'm 32 and it's maybe time to go.

"I have been so proud to play for Liverpool and to have my dream come true. I scored a goal, a penalty and now I get out.

"I have won seven trophies with Liverpool — pretty good, eh? Not bad for a player like me, anyway.

"My goal? Well, I don't score many like that. In fact, I don't score many anyway!

"It was my first of the season, my last of the season, my best of the season and the one I will remember for ever."