Former Liverpool star reveals regret over Anfield Exit – “Huge disappointment” | OneFootball

Antonio Núñez Reflects on Liverpool Exit and Rafael Benítez’s Lasting Influence

For many footballers, lifting the Champions League represents the defining moment of a career. For Antonio Núñez, however, that unforgettable night in Istanbul came with an unexpected sense of unfinished business.

Speaking to Flashscore, the former Liverpool winger reflected on his single season at Anfield, his relationship with Rafael Benítez, and why leaving the club shortly after European glory remains one of the biggest regrets of his playing days.

His story offers an interesting reminder that medals do not always erase personal disappointment.

Liverpool Departure That Never Sat Comfortably

Antonio Núñez arrived at Liverpool in the summer of 2004 as part of the deal that saw Michael Owen join Real Madrid. Expectations were naturally high, although injuries limited his opportunities throughout the campaign.

Even so, Núñez remained involved in Liverpool’s remarkable Champions League run, making nine appearances in the competition, including key fixtures against Olympiacos, Bayer Leverkusen, Juventus and Chelsea before the famous final against AC Milan.

Reflecting on what followed, his feelings remain clear.

“Leaving Liverpool was a huge disappointment.”

He expanded further: “I went to Celta afterwards and spent three good years there. I played in La Liga, in the UEFA Cup and experienced many good things, but leaving Liverpool was a huge disappointment. You’re younger and it’s one of the first times you have to deal with something like that.”

For supporters, Istanbul became the beginning of one of Liverpool’s great modern eras under Rafael Benítez. For Núñez personally, it marked the end of his Anfield journey before it had truly developed.

Photo: IMAGO

Rafael Benítez Sparked European Belief

Núñez recalled that Liverpool entered the 2004/05 Champions League campaign with little expectation of lifting the trophy.

“There was no doubt we weren’t the favourites, nowhere near. Liverpool had gone many years without winning the European Cup. Historically it was a great European club, but it wanted to become one again.”

He also described the optimism surrounding Rafael Benítez’s arrival from Valencia.

“That was something we noticed as soon as we arrived. There was great hope that Benítez would turn Liverpool back into an important team in Europe.”

According to Núñez, everything changed against Olympiacos.

“That game was fundamental because we were almost out. We had to win by two goals and started 1-0 down. Then we scored three and it was unbelievable.”

From that point onwards, Liverpool’s confidence steadily grew, even while domestic form continued to fluctuate.

“The team started believing in itself in the Champions League. In the league things weren’t going well. We weren’t even in the top four and couldn’t put together a good run of results. But in Europe, for whatever reason, we had confidence, kept getting through each round and started believing more and more.”

He also acknowledged fortune played its part.

“We found ourselves in the final without expecting it.”

Istanbul Memories Remain Timeless

More than two decades later, the Champions League final continues to resonate with football supporters around the world.

“It was only a couple of days ago that we celebrated the anniversary. Twenty-one years have already passed. It was an incredible night that will never be forgotten.”

Núñez believes its appeal stretches well beyond Liverpool supporters.

“Everyone who speaks to me about that match remembers exactly where they watched it. It doesn’t matter if they’re English, Spanish or from somewhere else. Everybody remembers that final.”

One myth he was keen to address concerned the famous half time interval.

“People have asked me what Benítez said at half-time more times than anything else in my life. The other day I watched the documentary on Netflix and I think Steven Gerrard or Jamie Carragher said exactly the same.”

Instead, he admitted his own thoughts were far darker.

“I always say I know what it feels like to lose a Champions League final because I felt I’d already lost one. And I also know what it feels like to win one.”

“When I walked into the dressing room I felt I’d lost the final. Milan were so much better than us. You were almost expecting them to score another three goals in the second half and make it an historic humiliation.”

He dismissed stories of an emotional speech.

“I’ve heard epic speeches and famous phrases that simply weren’t said.”

Calm Leadership Defined Rafael Benítez

According to Antonio Núñez, Rafael Benítez’s composure proved more valuable than any dramatic motivational address.

“The confidence Benítez transmitted was fundamental. Just the way he spoke to us and how calm he was made a huge difference. He believed in the comeback and never acted as though the match was lost.”

Rather than accepting defeat, Liverpool’s players focused on tactical solutions.

“It wasn’t a dressing room where everyone sat in silence with their heads down. There was constant activity and a real desire to solve what was going wrong.”

“There were several tactical corrections.”

He also recalled one memorable moment involving Steve Finnan and Djimi Traoré.

“First he brought on Djimi Traoré, but then Finnan had a problem. Traoré had already started taking his kit off and was in the showers when someone called him back and told him to get dressed again.”

When Liverpool returned for the second half, belief had replaced despair.

“I can’t really explain it, but somehow we all walked back out feeling as though we were only 1-0 down.”

As momentum shifted, Núñez sensed the impossible becoming achievable.

“The first goal changes everything. You suddenly feel it’s not raining quite so hard anymore. Then the second goal gives you enormous confidence. At that point, nothing can stop you.”

Asked whether Liverpool won the final or Milan lost it, his verdict remained balanced.

“I’d say it’s 50-50.”

“We came out with the perfect mentality because we refused to give up. But Milan believed they were already champions. They went into the dressing room celebrating and came back out simply waiting for the 45 minutes to pass.”

“When you’ve already got the trophy in your hands and suddenly you’re level and facing penalties, you’ve got a much bigger chance of losing than winning. Psychologically it’s incredibly difficult to recover from that.”

Time has softened the disappointment of leaving Liverpool, although it has never disappeared.

“As the years go by, you learn to accept things better.”

Reflecting on an 18 year career filled with highs and lows, Núñez offered one final observation that neatly sums up football itself.

“Football is a rollercoaster. If you’re fortunate enough to play for 17 or 18 years, you’ll experience everything, promotions, relegations and, if you’re very lucky, titles too.”