Didi Hamann: Xabi Alonso was RIGHT to reject Liverpool and Bayern Munich

Just short of 19 years ago, they played over an hour together as Liverpool produced one of the greatest comebacks of all time on the grandest stage of them all.

Didi Hamann's introduction at half time of the famous Champions League penalty shootout win over AC Milan in 2005 is probably one of the greatest substitutions of all time. Liverpool went to a back three at 3-0 down, the German partnering Xabi Alonso in central midfield, Steven Gerrard just in front.

They can't have known at around 10:30pm local time in Istanbul what would happen over the next couple of hours. The comeback that would be made, the bonds and memories that would remain for life.

'It couldn't have happened to a nicer guy,' Hamann tells Mail Sport in an exclusive interview on behalf of freebets.com, speaking of Alonso's success with Bayer Leverkusen this season. 'Very, very likeable, an absolute team player, quiet, good sense of humour, just a nice guy.'

It really has been quite the season for Alonso. Having taken over his side, now one of Europe's best, in the relegation zone of the Bundesliga last season, they are now staring right into the eyes of an invincible campaign.

'He came to Liverpool as a young kid, found his way within the team, within the club, and obviously showed a lot of people within a short space of time what a good footballer he was,' Hamann continues. 'What he's done in Leverkusen now is exceptional. I'm delighted for him, because he's been a brilliant player, but probably an even better person.'

Leverkusen wrapped up their first-ever Bundesliga title last weekend, the first side to stop German giants Bayern Munich winning the title for 12 years. They are in the semi-finals of the Europa League and heavy favourites to win that, and it