Live blog: Legends say 'Goodbye, Malaysia'

Phil is joined by Ricky Mears and Luke Morley for the tournament and the trio will be reporting back with video and text every day from the Far East, with the football action beginning on Sunday, April 21.

The legends representing the Reds for the tournament are: Jerzy Dudek, Robbie Fowler, Dietmar Hamann, Steve Harkness, Rob Jones, Bjorn Tore Kvarme, Jason McAteer, Steve McManaman and Mark Wright.

Liverpool will be competing against a Manchester United outfit, a Premier League all-stars team and a side featuring Malaysian legends - with Andrew Cole and Frank Leboeuf among those also donning their boots.

Keep checking back on this page for live updates from Malaysia from the Liverpoolfc.com team...

(L-R) Phil Reade, Ricky Mears and Luke Morley.

8pm, Tuesday, April 23 - Kuala Lumpur

After a quick scan of our room, we're out for the final time and down into the foyer to wait alongside the Manchester United legends for our flight back to Manchester via Doha. Most of the Liverpool lads have already departed.

Now where's that passport...?

6pm, Tuesday, April 23 - Kuala Lumpur

We also managed to have a quick chat with Jason McAteer earlier this morning in our hotel. 

He answered fan questions and his responses will be released to @LFC followers over the coming days - including how he snubbed Bono from U2 to go for a pint with John Aldridge.

But here's McAteer talking about his Malaysia Cup teammate Robbie Fowler: "He's easily the best player I have played with. No question.

"Even out here at the Masters, you can see it - he's just so instinctive and his angles for scoring goals are just amazing. He's fantastic, he's got so much knowledge and instinct that he just doesn't have to think about what he's doing.

"He's probably the most gifted, natural striker that I have ever played with and who has ever played in the Premier League."

3pm, Tuesday, April 23 - Kuala Lumpur

We managed to grab half an hour with Jerzy Dudek earlier today.

Here is an excerpt in which Jerzy talks about preparing for penalties in Istanbul: "We had a few meetings with the goalkeeping coach before the game. We always do this routine before cup games when there is a risk of penalties.

"I watched a video of the opposition players shooting. The video gives you some idea of where the player is going to go, whether he is going to hit it hard or wait for the goalkeeper to make a move. But there were too many Milan players to remember. And at the end of the day they always change.

"Then, suddenly, Jamie Carragher was on my back. He was jumping around and pushing me. He was telling me to put them under pressure, to do something on the goal line - maybe do what Grobbelaar did in Rome in 1984.

"I said: 'Jamie, let me relax and study the penalties first. I have only got two minutes!' But he kept pushing me. It was funny, but I was focused and I was really on target. When I went to take my position in the goal, I thought about trying a little bit to destroy their focus. Serginho came forward and I started doing these crazy hand actions to make the goal smaller and my frame bigger.

"Then I thought, 'This seems to be working.'"

1pm, Tuesday, April 23 - Kuala Lumpur

Jason McAteer, Robbie Fowler, Steve McManaman and Mark Wright paid a visited the Mayor of Kuala Lumpur as part of a special Standard Chartered event this afternoon.

The Liverpool lads were greeted by a dance troupe upon arrival before enjoying a relaxed meeting with Mayor Datuk Seri Hj. Ahmad Phesal bin Hj. Talib, who was joined by Standard Chartered's country head of corporate affairs Liz Kamaruddin.

Outside, the players were greeted by a customary warm welcome as local fans swarmed around the Reds legends asking for autographs and precious photos.

10am, Tuesday, April 23 - Kuala Lumpur

All the participating legends assembled at the grand dining hall in the Double Tree hotel for a gala dinner that was attended by over 600 guests.

Jason McAteer, Jerzy Dudek and Mark Wright were called up to the stage to take part in a Q&A session with the supporters gathered. Here are a couple of pictures from the event from our photographer David Lim:

3am, Tuesday, April 23 - Kuala Lumpur

Wide awake we brave heading down to the bar to watch Manchester United take on Aston Villa with the legends; however, we're back up in the room within 15 minutes.

A combination of Robin van Persie's lethal finishing and David May's ruthless, celebratory taunts forces us to depart as United go about clinching their 20th title.

God knows how Robbie Fowler and Steve McManaman manage to sit through the whole episode...

8pm, Monday, April 22 - Kuala Lumpur

Down in the reception Steve McManaman and Robbie Fowler are ready and waiting and as they prepare to talk Carra with Luke and Ricky, I manage to grab a word on last night's game with the pair.

Robbie: "I think you have to say it was a point gained, given the way the match panned out. I know it's not a victory, but if you score an equaliser so late in the game, sometimes it actually feels like a win.

"You feel as though you have got something out of the game that you shouldn't have."

McManaman: "The performances this season against the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United have been really strong. You can see the way we have hammered teams this year.

"I think we just need to try and drive forward to a level where, 80 per cent of the time, we are putting these performances in and getting the points."

4pm, Monday, April 22 - Kuala Lumpur

Our hopes of sightseeing have been thwarted by the weather - here's one our cameraman Ricky Mears took recently:

We bump into Robbie Fowler, Steve McManaman and Jason McAteer downstairs in reception and they agree to do an interview with Luke for the channel about Jamie Carragher and his impending retirement.

So I'll try and grab a word with them about last night's game and report back to you later.

10am, Monday, April 22 - Kuala Lumpur

The Liverpool legends are out playing golf this morning, but God knows how they're going to manage it in this weather, with the thunder and lightning, dirty-grey skies and cascading rain.

In their absence, we take a wander down to the hotel lobby, where Tore Andre Flo is relaxing and he acknowledges us with a knowing nod.

Last night, we travelled back to our hotel from watching the Chelsea game with the tall Norwegian forward, and he was sat there on the coach chatting away as though he had known me and Luke all his life.

"You are the Liverpool boys, right? What a day for you guys then, eh? Winning the masters and getting the result tonight?"

Flo is genuinely amazed by Liverpool's support over here in Malaysia and he can't stop talking about the makeshift Kop behind the goal at the Stadium Putra and the passion of our fans.

He even admits that it's something Chelsea could never match.

In fact, I think I'd go as far as saying he has a real soft spot for Liverpool; he's eulogising about the club so much that he even manages to bring Istanbul into the conversation.

6.10pm, Sunday, April 21 - Stadium Putra, Kuala Lumpur

Liverpool lift the EPL Malaysia Cup for a second year running after a narrow 5-4 victory over the Premier League all-stars.

The win looked like it was in the bag with two minutes left on the clock after braces from Kvarme and Hamann added to Fowler's 10th of the tournament and gave the Reds a 5-2 lead.

Former Leeds midfielder Bridges, who was impressive throughout the tournament, and World Cup winner Leboeuf netted late goals but the win was Liverpool's and captain Mark Wright went up to collect the trophy.

"Well it's hardly the FA Cup or the Champions League, is it?" Fowler reflects. "But, listen, I've really enjoyed it and it's always nice to win things and score goals. I'm clearly not quite as good as I used to be, but today has been very enjoyable and the fans have been superb."

3.30pm, Sunday, April 21 - Stadium Putra, Kuala Lumpur

Inside the arena, Dennis Wise leads his EPL all-star side out. Tore Andre Flo, Frank Leboeuf and Michael Bridges, as well as former Liverpool lads Stephane Henchoz and Phil Babb, join the strong line-up.

Next come the Malaysian team to rapturous applause before jeers emanate from the makeshift Spion Kop behind the goal as Manchester United take to the field led by David May, and followed by the likes of Andrew Cole, Clayton Blackmore and Ronny Johnsen.

Then Mark Wright emerges, followed by the full Liverpool team: Steve Harkness, Rob Jones, Bjorn Tore Kvarme, Didi Hamann, Jerzy Dudek, Jason McAteer, Robbie Fowler and Steve McManaman - and the noise crescendos to another level.

The action begins and the Reds look sharp. Fowler darts across the forward line, flicking passes into space, McManaman patrols with the ball at his feet waiting for little gaps to thread it through, and McAteer hounds the opposition into submission.

Kvarme's barnstorming display is a joy to behold. The tall Norwegian steals the show with his marauding, mazy runs and smashes home two of the Reds' goals as they beat the EPL all-stars in their first game of the tournament.

The defender adds another hat-trick as Malaysia are swept aside by the confident Liverpool outfit. Fowler chips in with two more goals in the 5-2 win.

The Reds are already through to the final when the time comes to face rivals Manchester United; however, the game doesn't disappoint.

Fans are even treated to a virtual re-run of Dudek's Istanbul heroics as the Pole first thwarts Cole from close-range before beating Blackmore's point-blank effort high into the sky as though it were Andriy Shevchenko all over again.

Two more from Robbie, one from Hamann and a peach from McManaman helps the legends to a victory over their fierce rivals to the delight of the travelling Kop. Now for the final...

1.45pm, Sunday, April 21 - Stadium Putra, Kuala Lumpur

We arrive at the venue for today's big tournament just over an hour before kick off.

As the bus snakes its way through the surrounding greenery, stalking first the Malaysian national stadium and then on towards the nearby indoor arena, the first stragglers clad from head to toe in Liverpool red begin to come into view.

We enter through the back entrance and are smuggled into the bowels of the ground and guided towards the team dressing rooms.

Outside in the blistering heat, something of a carnival is in full flow and the whole scene is awash with Liverpool colours, spoilt only by the odd Manchester United strip.

Hundreds of fans are clapping along to the 'The Fields of Anfield Road' while waving scarves and proudly displaying shirts with the likes 'Gerrard', 'Suarez' and 'Dalglish' emblazoned on the back.

Robbie Fowler emerges out into the heat, flanked by Rob Jones and Steve Harkness, and they are mobbed instantly.

1.40pm, Sunday, April 21 - Kuala Lumpur

Managed to grab a few words with Didi about today's first-team game with Chelsea, which will be the last time Jamie Carragher will ever face the Blues. Hamann reckons he'll play it with the same passion and commitment as the first time he ever went up against them.

"You always knew Carra really seemed to grasp the rivalry between the clubs. He relishes these games against Chelsea. These are the matches where you have to prove to the fans that you can beat the best and Carra has done that consistently."

12.45pm, Sunday, April 21 - Kuala Lumpur

As promised, here are some photos from yesterday's futsal event...

12pm, Sunday, April 21 - Kuala Lumpur

I passed out at about 10pm last night and didn't surface until 10am this morning, feeling as though I could use another 10 hours sleep.

Ricky and Luke joined the group of Liverpool legends, who arrived in Malaysia late on Saturday, for a few quiet drinks in the bustling city centre.

Breakfast was one of the most exuberant I think I've ever had and as we eat, I spy Didi Hamann through the window, book in hand at the 10th floor pool, basking in the baking heat, preparing for the big tournament which take place this afternoon.

I'll bring you a full match report of each Reds game and pictures of the Liverpool fans, who, I'm told, are loud and proud and will vastly outnumber the rest...

3pm local time, Saturday, April 20 - Kuala Lumpur

The type of heat that hits you like a right hook in the face near enough flattens me when I finally step blinking from our plane and out onto the tarmac.

The airport there is so massive that a rail link is needed to ferry people from the gate to gate.

Fortunately one of the organisers, Hubert - a Dutch bloke who moved over here to live with his girlfriend because he couldn't get a job in Holland but now loves the place, is a mad Feyenoord fan and has a predilection for Phil Neal having met him on previous trips - is there to meet me.

We drive for 45 minutes through what seems like endless green, plants and palms before the colossal pin-like structures of the city emerge. The hotel's not far and there's no-one about when I get back to the room.

Here's a decent picture from the corridor:

Luke and Ricky have been out filming today at a Liverpool supporters' Futsal event and I'll bring you pictures of that when we get the chance. Robbie Fowler, Steve McManaman and the rest of the Reds legends are due in later tonight.

But for now, I think I'll need to try and add to that tally of one hour's sleep since 8.30am yesterday morning...

12.50pm BST. Friday, April 19 - Terminal 2, Manchester Airport, Qatar Airlines check-in desk

It's Friday and I've gone via the passport office on Old Hall Street, then Chapel Street to grab my things and ring a taxi, and I'm now hauling my stuff back towards the scene of yesterday's crime at Terminal 2.

And my old nemesis is there, waiting, primed and grinning from ear to ear: "Are we going to be able to fly today, then?"

To be fair, we have a bit of a laugh and after finally successfully checking in (get in!), I zip off through the crowds and towards the gates, snaking between those shiny perfume islands and out onto the main concourse of mayhem where 10 blokes dressed in Reservoir Dogs suits are huddled, pints in hand, belting out their own variation of Sloop John B about only they know what.

I demolish a Burger King and go off in search of books for the 17-hour journey and decide almost instantly upon entering WHSmiths that said books will not be either 'The Top Gear Years' by Jeremy Clarkson or 'Like a Virgin' by Richard Branson.

5.30pm BST. Thursday, April 18 - LFC headquarters, Chapel Street

Widespread incredulity and plenty of laughter... Cheers, lads!

12.30pm BST. Thursday, April 18 - Terminal 2, Manchester Airport, Qatar Airlines check-in desk

I made my first attempt to travel to Kuala Lumpur on Thursday afternoon - and failed preposterously...like, in the words of my Liverpoolfc.com colleagues James Carroll and Chris Shaw, only I could.

Or, it seems, like only former Manchester United full-back David May and I could.

The whole ridiculous scenario began with something like: "Mr Reade, someone will have to take a look at your passport - has it been in the wash?"

In my mind, I toyed with the idea of replying with something like: "It has. I have to take it into pubs to be able to get served to prove I'm old enough and one night it got left in my jeans and then the next thing you know it's in the wash and..."

Instead I just grimaced because I could sense by the purpose with which her fingers were beating away at the phone on her desk and by the tone with which she was seeking assistance that this wasn't going to end well.

LFC TV's Luke, cameraman Ricky and I were dressed from head to toe in official Liverpool Warrior gear. 

"I'm sorry sir but the fact that your passport picture is peeling away by where the photo is means they will not let you in on the other side, so it's very unlikely that you will be allowed to travel. Mr May has already been refused entry."

"David May? David May can't travel to Malaysia for the tournament?"

"I'm afraid so, sir."

I steal a glance over my shoulder and there's the Champions League winner slumped against the helpdesk, face as red as his old United shirt, muttering into his mobile.

Within an hour Kuala Lumpur themselves confirm, after photographic evidence is wired through, that I'm not going to be flying to Malaysia with that trusty old passport any time soon.

With that, I draw up a Plan B: Get back to the passport office on Old Hall Street before five, confirm a new one can be done by tomorrow morning and then get back to Manchester airport in time for tomorrow's flight.

Luke and Ricky check their stuff in, hand me my share of the local currency before heading off to the Far East. I, meanwhile, slink off in the direction of Lime Street...