Fowler 'desperate' to play legends tie

Here, he tells Liverpoolfc.com how excited he is to run out as a Reds player again, why so many ex-players are keen to get involved, and gives his thoughts on how former striker Ian Rush will fare as a manager.

First of all, what are your thoughts on the prospect of meeting Real Madrid legends?

I think it's brilliant. I think it's something that we should have done a long time ago. Now I'm saying this because obviously I'm finished playing and you get the chance to run about and put that shirt on again - but I think it's special and I think it's been a long time coming. I think the fans will love to see it as well because there's been a desire from them to see some of the old boys running about. We might not be as sharp as we once were but the passion and commitment is there and I think it's special to be involved in this very first legends game and, hopefully, it's the first of many.

Explain the buzz you will feel to wear that Liverpool shirt in an official capacity again.

I think you're asking the wrong man to explain that. I think everyone knows what Liverpool means to me. I'm still involved in the club as an ambassador and I love that. Now you get the chance to put the shirt on again, run out in front of thousands and thousands of people and represent the club again. It's not what it was years ago but it takes you back. It's extra special and I can't wait to be honest.

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Is this a different level to your role as a club ambassador?

Yes. Because this is what I do, what I've always wanted to do. Don't get me wrong, I love doing what I do now, where you get to go round, you're meeting partners and fans all over the world. It's a different side of football that I never saw because I was focused on playing and this side of the pitch is totally different. But now I'm getting back to where I was. We're not the same and everyone knows that but we still want to do well, we still have that pride where we want to put the red shirt on, we still want to win and that never leaves you.

You won't be eased into things facing Real Madrid but how excited are you?

It's using the cliched answer but I don't think it really matters. It's not about who we play, it's about us. Granted, you're coming over here and playing in the Bernabeu which is an unbelievable stadium. We've got a chance as old men - speaking not to kindly about myself - to represent Liverpool playing in such a brilliant stadium against Real Madrid, who have got fantastic players. This is our first one but Real Madrid have been doing it for years and years and, on paper, they're probably favourites. But stranger things have happened!

There's an incredible list of players desperate to be involved, what is the draw of Liverpool?

Liverpool is an unbelievable club and unless you've been on the other side of the fence where you're playing for other clubs I don't think you realise how big and how good of a club Liverpool is. People see that because the players you've mentioned there have played for other clubs and I think they realise the passion of the football club, the passion of that fans and that real togetherness from everyone. Everyone wants to be a part of it and it is a special, special place.

When you started as a player, did you think you would be able to be involved in assisting people all around the world in ways like this?

No, and I think if any player was to tell you 'yes' they'd be lying because first and foremost you want to play football because you love the game, not because of what you can do. You play it because you love it and you want to run about, but when you get older and you're finished playing you realise you're at an advantage where you can help other clubs. Real Madrid have got their foundation, Liverpool have got the LFC Foundation and we're going to try and get a second game at Anfield that will benefit the LFC Foundation. All the players will love being involved, everyone will love playing a part in front of passionate support but the winners will be the charities because hopefully there's going to be thousands and thousands raised that will go to good causes. We've seen many games in the past with older players and we bring out the best of our supporters in terms of games like this because, not only do fans love seeing the older players, they love coming to the games and knowing their money is going to good causes.

How do you think Ian Rush will fare as a manager?

I don't really care as long as I'm playing! I'm close to Rushie and coming up to the game I'm going to be a lot closer... I'm thinking of moving in with him! I'm desperate to play this game. I'm sure Rushie will be great because he's going to have a great bunch of players who want to play for Liverpool, who want to put on this shirt again. Rushie is the club legend that is going to be on show and he's never played at this stadium so we might even see a player-manager role!

Tickets for the game are priced at €5, €10 and €15 and will be available to purchase from http://www.realmadrid.com/entradas.