Wednesday, July 04, 2007 . 12:39 AM

Luis Garcia. Not a name that springs to mind when you consider Liverpool's greats... But there is something special about the player, that has captured the hearts of Liverpool fans around the world.

When Luis Garcia first moved to Anfield, people were skeptical about him. A virtually unheard-of Spanish player, brought from Barcelona's second-stringers, people were unsure of what Luis Garcia could bring to the club and if this signing would bring Liverpool in the right direction. Given the no. 10 jersey previously worn by Michael Owen and John Barnes before him, Luis Garcia had big boots to fill. But boy, did he fill them.

There are not many players in the world who can play left, right and central midfield, can double as a forward and even play 'in the hole' behind the strikers. There are even fewer players capable of striking a football so sweetly with both feet. Who can forget his premiership goal against Charlton, where he looked up, and curled a sweet right-footer past the keeper, who fully anticipated it but could not stop it. Or his magnificent dipping half-volley against Juventus and against one of the best keepers in the world, Gianluigi Buffon, in the Champions League quarter-finals of 2005?

His ball control is unquestionable. On the pitch, he always looks the most comfortable with the ball at his feet, trying outrageous tricks and pulling off the most wonderful turns and flicks. Many have been outwitted and outplayed by the Spaniard

Luis Garcia may be diminutive, but there is no questioning his heading ability. He proved that with a brilliant looping header in the champions league against Bordeaux from almost outside the box, and a wonderfully headed goal against Portsmouth in the Premiership.

Luis Garcia is a man for the big occasion, scoring all-important goals. Such as the goal against Chelsea (yes, it CROSSED the line you sore-loser Chelsea fans) to send Liverpool to the Champions League semi-final in 2005, and those vital goals against Bayer Leverkusen in the same year to give Liverpool the 6-2 aggregate win to send them into the quarter-finals.

Luis Garcia came from Barca and brought us joy. He taught us the magic of football, and brought us to heaven and back with his magical displays in the red shirt. We'll never forget his thumb-sucking celebration and never dispute the passion Luis has for football and for Liverpool.

Atletico have acquired themselves a real gem of a player.

Thanks for the memories Luis, and all the best in the Primera Liga. We'll miss you.

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

Archangel