Return to Liverpool Robbie Fowler

fowler playing liverpool.

on 27 january 2006, fowler rejoined liverpool manchester city on free transfer, signing contract until end of season. fowler had remained liverpool fan after left club; in istanbul crowd when liverpool won champions league in 2005.

the fans overjoyed learn fowler had returned; there large banners in game against birmingham city read god – number eleven, welcome heaven , god being fowler s nickname while @ liverpool.

fowler s return against birmingham city in february 2006 labelled tabloid press stuff of fairytales, , himself said felt kid waking on christmas morning every day . fowler s first appearance @ anfield substitute against birmingham, receiving standing ovation upon introduction. after return, had 3 goals ruled out offside, before getting off mark on 15 march 2006 in home game against fulham, same opponents against scored first ever goal liverpool 13 years earlier.

fowler s next liverpool goal, against west bromwich albion, meant overtook kenny dalglish in club s all-time top scorers. resurgence continued marked 31st birthday goal against bolton wanderers. made 4 goals in 5 games when scored goal in 1–0 victory on blackburn rovers on 16 april 2006. however, fowler s fitness remained concern. in march 2006, manager rafael benítez commented on fowler s work , progress saying, buy robbie fowler fit , scoring goals cost lot, maybe £10m or more . despite concerns fitness, fowler finished 2005–06 season scoring on more consistent basis liverpool s other strikers. in may 2006 offered new one-year contract club, , celebrated scoring first goal in liverpool s last league game of season in 3–1 away win @ portsmouth. final game of season unable take part in club s fa cup final success due being cup-tied.

fowler featured in final liverpool season, making 6 league starts. bizarrely, 3 of league goals penalties against sheffield united. 1 of these in away game on opening day of season, , other 2 in reverse fixture @ anfield. appearances in other competitions more common due rafael benítez s squad rotation policy. on 25 october 2006 fowler named liverpool s captain first time since return in league cup tie against reading, scoring before half-time in 4–3 win.

on 5 december, fowler scored first 2 goals in uefa champions league competition proper against galatasaray (he had scored during qualifying tie 6 years prior against fc haka), though liverpool lost 3–2.

on 1 may 2007 substitute in champions league semi-final against chelsea, brought on in last few minutes of extra-time. set attack dirk kuyt shot went straight @ chelsea goalkeeper. match went penalty shoot-out liverpool won. fowler due take fifth , final spot-kick, game had ended when kuyt slotted home winning penalty.

in transpired last appearance club, against charlton athletic on 13 may, fowler given captain s armband 1 final time. substituted 2 minutes final whistle , given standing ovation. finished second run liverpool player uefa champions league runners-up medal, although not named in either starting eleven or 7 substitutes. became free agent on 1 july having scored 183 goals in 369 appearances during 2 spells @ club.