Steven Gerrard described Sunday's All-Star charity match as "magical" as a host of the Liverpool captain's old teammates joined him to raise money inside a packed to the rafters Anfield.
The 34-year-old led an XI in his own name, scoring twice from the spot alongside players like Luis Suarez, Fernando Torres and Xabi Alonso, after Jamie Carragher's XI had stormed into a two-nil lead thanks to goals from Mario Balotelli and Didier Drogba in the early stages of the first-half.
The day, organised by the Liverpool FC Foundation, was however more focused on raising money for a number of charities within the local community - as a number of old players came together to say their goodbyes, and Gerrard thoroughly enjoyed the occasion.
"It's been absolutely brilliant," Gerrard told LFCtv after the final whistle. "I think, first and foremost, the charities involved will have done extremely well (thanks to) the full house.
"But that's no surprise. We know our supporters - when it's for a good cause, they always come and support. It's been terrific. It's just been absolutely magical and I've loved every minute of it.
"The game was (played at) a good pace. Everyone enjoyed it. There were no injuries. The hairs on my neck were standing up all the way through the game.
"Just to play with some ex-players and to be at Anfield one more time with them was a fantastic occasion. Today has given them the chance to sample the atmosphere one more time and to say their goodbyes properly, because sometimes you don't get a chance.
"Today, first and foremost, was all about charity, but after that, it was a chance for some big, big players, who have contributed really well throughout their careers here, to come and say 'bye' to these terrific fans."
Two players whom Liverpool fans all too well stole the headlines; Fernando Torres and Luis Suarez coming off of the bench to play for the full second-half for Gerrard's team.
But a number of other top footballers joined in for the cause, including Chelsea duo John Terry and Didier Drogba whilst Carragher's fellow Sky Sports pundit Thierry Henry.
It was Suarez and Torres who earned the loudest cheers, linking up delightfully to leave Reds' fans pondering what might have been. It was the former who won the second penalty, after being brought down by Carragher - but Gerrard insists neither wanted to take the spot-kick off of him.
"They didn't want it," joked Gerrard. "I asked them [Torres and Suarez] if they wanted to have a go, but they didn't want to take it. I don't think they wanted the memory of their last time [at Anfield] and missing a penalty in front of the Kop.
"Saying that, it's understandable, but just being there with them today and the options that they give you on the ball - their movement is sensational. The only regret that I have got is that I didn't play with them together."
Gerrard paid tribute to all those who attended, having come from far and wide just to take part in a charity game.
"These players didn't have to come today," he said. "They could have easily turned it down. People have gone out of their way today to be here.
"Some people have got two or three flights - Ashley Williams, for example, played last night [for Wales against Israel]. Luis [Suarez], playing in the El Clasico last week was desperate to come and play 45 minutes."
When asked why it was so important to all the former Liverpool players, the likes of Luis Garcia, Pepe Reina and Alvaro Arbeloa to turn up - Gerrard spoke of the influence of local programmes and charities within the area, all of which have left their mark on them.
"We've all got our personal experiences over the years of visiting these places like Claire House, like Alder Hey, and many more," said the skipper. "When you're in a position like ourselves [as footballers], the least you can do is turn out and show some support.
"Every single player that got asked to come here, turned up. Whether it took them an hour or they had to take two flights, which shows what footballers do for the community."