Former Argentina striker Hernan Crespo has opened up on the "damned story" of AC Milan's Champions League final loss in Istanbul to Liverpool in 2005. Despite scoring twice in a 3-0 first-half lead, the Milan, Inter, Lazio and Parma legend admits the specific defeat is a major career regret and one that he still finds difficult to discuss.
Champions League final loss still stings after 20 years
Crespo has admitted the Rossoneri's infamous 2005 Champions League final defeat to Liverpool is a "damned story" that he struggled with for years. In a wide-ranging interview with Italian outlet , the 50-year-old, who scored twice in the final, reflected on the most painful moments of a decorated playing career.
AdvertisementAFPThe 'damned story' of Istanbul 2005
Crespo was central to one of the most memorable finals in the competition's history. AC Milan stormed to a 3-0 half-time lead at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium, with captain Paolo Maldini opening the scoring in the first minute before Crespo added a clinical brace in the 39th and 44th minutes. However, a remarkable six-minute spell in the second half saw Liverpool draw level through Steven Gerrard, Vladimir Smicer and Xabi Alonso, before eventually winning 3-2 on penalties. The defeat remains iconic among fans, but a significant regret for the Argentine.
Asked what the biggest regret of his career is, he said: "Istanbul 2005, Champions League final between Milan and Liverpool. After Maldini's goal, I scored a brace, we finished the first half 3-0 up, and then the English came back and we lost on penalties. It's not easy to stomach a defeat after scoring a brace… For years, I didn't want to watch that match again. Only recently have I made peace with that damned story. But let's not dwell too much, otherwise I'll get angry again."
Praise for Argentina successor Lautaro Martinez
Crespo, who scored 35 goals in 64 appearances for his country, also commented on being overtaken in Argentina's all-time top scorer list by Inter captain Lautaro Martinez. The Inter star is currently level with the ex-Chelsea forward but is expected to overtake him and take fourth spot, behind Sergio Aguero, Gabriel Batistuta and Lionel Messi.
"He's a complete striker, and he's proven it over the years at Inter and with Argentina," Crespo said. "He's deadly in the penalty area, and he sees the goal like few others. He knows how to play as a team, communicates with his teammates, and attacks the spaces. He's a good dribbler. What more can I say? Yes, I consider him a champion. He has personality, opposing defenders fear him and double-mark him. This means he's reached full maturity."
World Cup 'regret' with Argentina's golden generation
Despite a stellar club career with Parma, Lazio, Inter, and Chelsea, Crespo revealed his failure to win a World Cup with a talented Argentina side remains a major source of disappointment. Playing alongside the likes of Batistuta, Juan Sebastian Veron and Diego Simeone, Crespo's national team career ended with quarter-final exits in 1998 and 2006, and a group stage elimination in 2002.
"Throughout my career, I've chased the World Cup: my generation was born with the myth of Maradona and the 1986 Cup," he explained. "We dreamed of making the Argentinians relive those magical moments, but we didn't succeed. It's a regret I carry with me."