Yossi Benayoun, the former Israeli international, recently reflected on his time at Liverpool during a Legends match against Chelsea, and he firmly believes that moving to Anfield was the best choice of his career. His emotional attachment to the club was evident as he recalled the glory days and the distinct pride of donning the iconic red jersey.

As Liverpool stands 12 points clear at the top of the Premier League, with just nine matches left, Benayoun's optimism for the team is palpable. Despite recent setbacks in the Champions League and the League Cup, fans are confident that the title is well within their grasp this season. Chants of “We’re gonna win the league!” resonate throughout Anfield, echoing the unwavering faith of supporters who have seen both triumphs and trials over the years.

Benayoun, who made 134 appearances for Liverpool and scored 29 goals, has vivid memories of his tenure at the club. He played a crucial role in several memorable matches, including a stunning goal against Real Madrid in the Champions League. However, during his time there, he faced the heartbreak of missing out on silverware. In the 2006 FA Cup final, he was a part of West Ham United’s squad that lost to Liverpool, a match that consequently ignited his desire to join the club.

Reflecting on Liverpool's past near-misses in the title race, Benayoun shared his thoughts on the 2008-09 season when the team seemed poised to clinch the championship only to see Manchester United snatch it away. “It was a tough moment for us,” he said. “We believed we had a great team with players like Xabi Alonso and Steven Gerrard, but luck wasn’t on our side.”

Yet, despite those disappointments, Benayoun admires how far Liverpool has come since those days. “They’ve become a dominant force, not just in England but in Europe,” he stated, citing their recent success in winning various titles. His faith in the current team under manager Arne Slot is unwavering. “With a significant lead, I’m confident they will secure the title this season,” he asserted.

Interestingly, Benayoun's departure from Liverpool in 2010 came not by his choosing but due to the managerial changes at the club. He left for Chelsea but always held Liverpool close to his heart. “Rafa (Benitez) brought me here; the decision to leave wasn’t mine,” he lamented. “I never wanted to leave Liverpool.”

In a touching return to Anfield for a legends match, Benayoun expressed how surreal it was to play there after more than a decade. “At almost 45 years old, to come back and perform at such a historic stadium, in front of passionate fans, is more than I could have ever dreamed,” he said wistfully.

As Liverpool fans eagerly await the conclusion of the season, Benayoun's reflections remind us of the club's rich history and the many players, like him, who have worn the famous red shirt. The sentiment is clear: for Benayoun, joining Liverpool wasn't just a career decision; it was a dream fulfilled.