It is the summer of 2005 and captain marvel Steven Gerrard has handed in a transfer request at Liverpool, just six weeks after leading his boyhood club to Champions League glory.
The joy of Istanbul was fading. Some Liverpool fans burned shirts bearing Gerrard's name as a number of European clubs, including then-Premier League champions Chelsea, were being linked with a move.
It was, in his own words, the most emotional situation of his life. "This has been the hardest decision I have ever had to make," he said in a statement.
"I fully intended to sign a new contract after the Champions League final, but the events of the past five to six weeks have changed all that," added Gerrard. "I have too much respect for the club and people at it to get involved in a slagging match."
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Gerrard turned down a new £100,000-a-week contract, just days after Liverpool rejected a £32 million bid from Chelsea. A bidding war between the London club and Madrid was expected.
In fact, Madrid were quick to confirm their interest and, according to Spanish outlet AS, Liverpool were open to negotiations.
The Reds reportedly wanted around £40 million plus three players – Ruben De la Red, Alvaro Arbeloa and Javi Garcia – for their star man.
However, it was an offer that proved "too much of a challenge" as Madrid cooled their interest. Then, after days of intense speculation, Gerrard would sign a new four-year contract at Liverpool.
Five years later, the former England international was courted again by Madrid following their appointment of Jose Mourinho – but he once again turned down the offer to stay at his boyhood club.
Speaking ahead of a 2014 Champions League clash between Liverpool and Madrid, Gerrard admitted that he may one day regret not "challenging" himself by accepting an offer to join the Spanish giants.
"It is very flattering to be linked to a huge club like Real Madrid," he said. "I’ve had a couple of options throughout my career to go to Real Madrid but I resisted temptation, because of the big connection I have to my hometown club.
"It may be something I regret down the line, for not challenging myself and having a change of scenery in a different country, but I would have had an even bigger regret if I’d left the club I love."
Gerrard added: "I’m a big fan of Real Madrid. They are a special club. But Liverpool is my No 1."
Topics: Liverpool, Real Madrid, Steven Gerrard, La Liga, Premier League
Jack Kenmare