Maxi on pens, goals and Pepe
For every home match throughout the 2011-12 season, LFC's official matchday programme gave fans the chance to get to know their heroes that little bit better.
Ahead of each Anfield clash, the 'Just Can't Get Enough' feature conducted a quirky interview with a member of the first-team squad in which the questions ranged from football-related issues to dressing room banter and life off the pitch.
For the last week, Liverpoolfc.com has been publishing one of these interviews each day and we continue the series with Maxi Rodriguez, who talks goal celebrations, penalty taking and Pepe Reina's singing...
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Who was your first football hero?
Julio Saldana. Gabriel Batistuta was with Newell's before he moved to River Plate and Boca Juniors before going to Italy and I liked him too. But Saldana played in my position.
If you had to take a penalty in a shoot-out, would you go first or last?
I'm always happy to take one and I did in the quarter-finals of the World Cup against Germany in 2006, which I scored. Each one had the same pressure really but instinctively I'd prefer to take an early one.
How many keepie-uppies do you think you could do?
I honestly think I could go for a long time. It wouldn't drop. I used to do it all the time as a kid. Maybe the ball wouldn't drop. I'm very confident about that.
Have you ever lost control of your emotions after scoring a goal?
I think this only happens when it is an important game rather than a great goal. It was a dream for me to play in a World Cup for my country and I first achieved that with Argentina in 2006 and then scored twice against Serbia in a 6-0 win. Personally, that meant a lot to me because it was the realisation of something I'd always wanted to do. Even though the goal against Mexico (a volley from 30 yards) was nominated goal of the tournament, I did a somersault after the first one against Serbia. That shows you how much it meant.
What's your favourite Liverpool goal?
Again, it would probably be the first one against Burnley. It was special. But I also liked the hat-trick goal against Fulham.
Did you pass your driving test first time?
Yes. In Argentina, my uncle was a driving instructor and he helped me a lot so I was quite lucky. I had to take it again in Spain and I passed first time too.
What was your first car?
A Peugeot 206. It was very nice and easy to drive. I have happy memories of it.
Have you ever completed an initiation at any of the clubs you have been at?
When we went to Portugal last year after the Europa League match with Braga, all of us had to sing. My English is okay, but I don't know many songs. Luckily my teammates started singing the song that the fans sing...'Maxi...Maxi Rodriguez runs down the wing for me...' so I joined in.
Who do you think has the best singing voice at Liverpool?
This is very difficult. We all have no problems in performing in front of thousands of people on a football pitch but if you asked anyone to sing, I'm sure it would be different. Maybe Pepe is just a tiny bit better than the rest.
What is your favourite film?
It is one from Argentina called Nine Queens. It was made about 10 years ago. I would describe it as a crime drama.
Where is the best place to go on holiday in South America?
It depends if you want the mountains or the seaside. Personally, wherever there is water and sand, I'm very happy. Mar la Plata in Argentina is very good.
What stadium creates the best atmosphere in Argentina?
Boca's La Bombonera is special. The terraces are very steep and the crowd plays an active part in the game. I have good memories of playing there.
And in Spain?
Atletico's Vicente Calderon was very good. Again, the supporters play a huge role. In some ways, the Calderon is like the Bombonera because of the way it was built. I also liked the San Mames in Bilbao. The atmosphere there is very special.