Former Liverpool midfielder Boudewijn Zenden has revealed how Luis Garcia played a part in his move to Anfield.
Zenden was signed by the Reds in 2005 from Middlesbrough, going on to spend two years on Merseyside before moving to Marseille.
The former Netherlands international made 47 appearances for Liverpool, helping the club reach the Champions League final in 2007, but ultimately came up short against AC Milan in Athens.
The 42-year-old spent time at Barcelona earlier in his career, and it was at the Nou Camp where he formed a friendship with Garcia.
Garcia left Barcelona to sign for Liverpool in 2004, a year before Zenden's arrival, and the latter has explained how the Spaniard played a part in his move to Anfield.
“Of course there already was interest, and I had contact with Luis Garcia,” Zenden told The Kopite podcast.
“I played with him in Barcelona, when he came through the ranks, and then he left (for Liverpool) and made his career.
“He was the first one to contact me about the interest from Liverpool, before I even spoke to Rafa (Benitez).
“I've known Rafa now for quite some time, I know how he works. Before he starts negotiating, he wants to know if a player is interested or not through different channels.
“I spoke to Luis about a possible move, and then I started to chat with Rafa, so I already knew about the interest before Liverpool took on Milan in Instanbul.
“So I was watching that game in a different way maybe what some others did.
“That was the first contact, and then over the summer, after Liverpool won the Champions League, the deal was done.”