KEVIN KEEGAN saluted "the perfect ending" to his Liverpool career after his outstanding display in Rome.
The forward signed off his Anfield days in the most triumphant style with a virtuoso performance in helping Bob Paisley's side become European champions for the first time.
It was Keegan whose constant teasing and tormenting of Berti Vogts led to the experienced German international conceding a late penalty that Phil Neal converted to seal Liverpool's memorable evening in Rome.
And Keegan said: "This is what I wanted after Saturday - this was the perfect ending to my career with Liverpool. We could have won all three with a bit of luck on Saturday but tonight's performance has made up for all that.
"What can I say about the fans? I don't think there will be anyone left back in Liverpool to read this. They were tremendous. It almost reached the stage where you expect it from them after a while.
"The lap of honour was fantastic. I am so pleased for them. Tonight was great and tomorrow for the homecoming will be tremendous.
"This was the perfect ending for me. I have played my last game for Liverpool. I have no regrets. It is a fantastic way to finish. I have only stayed on for this season because the club chairman asked me to stay to help to try to win the European Cup. I have kept my side of the bargain.
"A few of the lads were in tears at the end. It is the kind of occasion that can get the better of you. This is the top competition in the world. For Liverpool to win it is a great credit on us and the fans.
"We are so pleased for them as for ourselves. I even feel a bit sorry for the lads. Because I don't know what they are going to do next year. Anything less than the treble and people would brand us as failures. It has been a fantastic season and we will never see the like of it again as long as we live."
