Didi Hamann has revealed he took a penalty in the 2005 Champions League final with a broken metatarsal, playing through the pain after all three substitutes had been used. The German midfielder stepped up to score the first spot-kick in the shootout as Liverpool beat AC Milan on penalties to win a fifth European crown.
Historic Comeback in Istanbul
Liverpool trailed 3-0 at half-time against one of the best teams in the world before scoring three goals in 15 minutes at the start of the second half to force extra time. Hamann, introduced at the interval for Steve Finnan, is often credited as the catalyst for the remarkable turnaround.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Star Sport, via MrQ, Hamann explained how he did not know the extent of his injury at the time. “Obviously I didn't know I had a broken foot at the time,” he said.
Playing Through the Pain
“It happened about four or five minutes before the end of extra time, when I felt a little crack in my right foot, and it was a stress fracture in my metatarsal. As I said, we'd used all our subs, so coming off wasn't really an option. I felt that something had happened, but obviously the pain was bearable.”
As one of the most experienced players in the squad, Hamann was happy to take the first penalty. “When the manager asked me to take a penalty, I think I was the oldest and most experienced player on the pitch at the time for us. Obviously, there was no question that I was going to take one.”
Celebrations and Aftermath
Hamann enjoyed the celebrations of the club’s greatest night, smoking a cigarette with former Reds CEO David Moores in the showers. Reflecting on the festivities, he said: “Turkey is one or two hours ahead of the UK, and I think the game didn't finish until after midnight. So, you know, it took quite some time before we got back to the hotel.”
“Obviously, we left the hotel and had a little bit of a celebration, but then coming back to Liverpool, it was obviously amazing to see so many happy faces. The experience is something that stays with me forever.”
Hamann’s minutes decreased the following season, playing just 17 times in the league in what turned out to be his final season at Anfield. He joined Manchester City and spent three years there but was unable to add to his trophy collection, which also includes two FA Cups, two League Cups, the UEFA Cup and two UEFA Super Cups.
