Liverpool star was 'devastated' after being forced to have mid-game shower
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A fascinating insight into one of the most memorable nights in soccer history, ahead of the release of Netflix's 'Miracle of Istanbul' documentary about Liverpool's most famous victoryDjimi Traore was almost substituted during the 2005 Champions League final(Image: Getty Images)Liverpool cult figure Djimi Traore was left "devastated" when manager Rafa Benitez substituted him off at half-time during the club's legendary 2005 Champions League final victory against AC Milan — before the boss changed his mind.This revelation comes from fresh insight featured in 'Untold: Liverpool's Miracle of Istanbul,' due for release next Tuesday (May 19).After a woeful first half in the Turkish capital, the Reds found themselves staring down the barrel at 3-0 on one of the most iconic nights in European soccer history. Those who played a part in the greatest comeback ever witnessed recalled Benitez's dramatic decision to send his left-back to the dressing room early, only to be forced into a rapid change of heart.Traore, 46, admitted he "felt ashamed" of both his own display and that of the side as a whole.
"Rafa tells Djimi Traore that he is going off. He says, 'Traore, shower.' He [Traore] is devastated, he has just been brought off in the biggest game of his life."Djimi goes for his shower, and Didi Hamann goes out to warm up because he is coming on at half-time.Liverpool completed a famous comeback to win(Image: Getty Images)Hamann then commented on how he felt helpless in his bid to impact the scoreline as he added: "My first reaction was, 'What am I meant to do now?'"We were 3-0 down against a world XI, the chances of coming back are next to nothing.
I went outside to start warming up, and the next thing I see is Djimi taking his kit off and walking naked to the shower."However, it transpired that Traore's night wasn't over just yet. The physio tells Rafa that Steve Finnan, one of our defenders, is injured and couldn't continue."I just remember a little pause from Rafa, and he just said, 'Finnan, shower.' And then there is another pause from Rafa, 'Traore, out of the shower.' Djimi comes back out again and has to put all of his kit back on.