Dirk: I thought I'd never get the chance
Dirk Kuyt admitted to feeling overcome with emotion when the call came to invite him back to Anfield for the first time in three years.
The Dutchman, who spent six seasons with the Reds, last walked down the famous tunnel and touched the iconic sign against Chelsea in May 2012.
A month later, he brought a close association with the Kop to a finish, departing for pastures new at Fenerbahce in Istanbul.
It was there, in the Turkish capital, that Liverpoolfc.com caught up with Kuyt, who is all set to return to Merseyside at the end of this month to take part in a special All-Star charity match.
The event, which has been organised by the club's official charity, the Liverpool FC Foundation, will bring together two teams to be selected and captained by Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher.
"To get the call was very exciting because I've never been back and it will be very special just to go back to Liverpool, to see the people, to go back to Melwood and say 'hello' to everyone," said the 34-year-old.
"I know a lot has changed since I've been gone. There's almost no-one left there anymore [from the squad I played with]. But when I got the phone call about the game, it was a bit emotional.
"To have the chance to go back one more time to Anfield, and to play with some of the teammates who I played with during my six years, will be amazing."
Kuyt will join the likes of Luis Suarez, Fernando Torres, Xabi Alonso, Pepe Reina, Thierry Henry, John Terry and Didier Drogba, as well as others, for the charity game on March 29.
First-team players who are not on international duty are also set to play some part, as well as Academy members and the club's backroom staff getting involved, all to raise funds for the local community.
"It's just a very positive feeling because you never expect these kinds of things to come back," said Kuyt.
"When I closed the door behind me after six years at Liverpool, you'll never forget the memories you had - the Champions League nights, the special days at Anfield.
"You never forget them. But you never expect to go back and play one more time at Anfield - and on such a special occasion."
To read more information on the charity match, click here.