Not many of Liverpool's forwards have looked or made as big an impression as Djibril Cissé. The Frenchman was known for his explosive speed, finishing, vivid hairstyles and fashion, and brought theatre with him wherever he went. His time at Anfield was blighted by injury which was at times frustrating, but in two memorable final games he was instrumental in Liverpool's victories which earned him cult status at the club.
The Djibril Cissé Liverpool story encapsulates the unpredictable nature of the Premier League. The fans of the competition can check on Liverpool betting tips available here and Cissé's tenure will make them feel how fast things can change, careers, matches and reputations all fade away. He suffered an agonising injury, made an amazing recovery and was a major factor in Liverpool clinching Europe's premier club accolade and the FA Cup.
Cissé joined Auxerre's youth system in France as a kid, developing under the tutelage of Guy Roux, a man famed for nurturing talent in Europe. The striker first entered the French league in 1999 before turning into one of the most dangerous attackers in the French league due to his direct running, acceleration and right foot power.
He finished as the Ligue 1’s top scorer twice, scoring 22 and 26 goals in 2001-02 and 2003-04. Further, he was instrumental when Auxerre beat Paris Saint-Germain in the Coupe de France final. That performance alerted several top European teams, including Liverpool who snapped him the following season.
Cissé was signed for a club record £14m by Liverpool in July 2004. His Liverpool debut came in the Champions League Qualifier against Grazer AK on 10th August and he would go on to make his debut Premier League goal 4 days later at Tottenham in a Premier League win.
Blackburn Rovers put a stop to the good run on 30th October 2004. Cissé was injured when he was subjected to a heavy challenge, affecting his left tibia and fibula. It was so bad that Liverpool had to make do without him for the rest of the season, and Cissé went on to state that it was as a result of timely medical intervention that he avoided worse.
Rehabilitation required an extraordinary effort. Cissé regained strength and mobility much quicker than expected, with the help of Liverpool's medical staff. He returned as a substitute versus Juventus on April 13, 2005, just more than five months after suffering the injury. His mere return was an amazing accomplishment, and soon his season would become historic.
Liverpool turned their luck around, from 3-0 down against AC Milan in the 2005 Champions League final and settled for a penalty win. Cissé came off the bench in the 85th minute and slotted Liverpool's second penalty. His celebration was an outpouring of the feeling of a player whose season was almost over in October.
A year later, he created yet another classic. Cissé volleyed home Steven Gerrard's pass to reduce a 0-2 deficit in the 2006 FA Cup final against West Ham. Liverpool went on to even the score at 3-3, winning the cup on penalties. To add to his major showpieces, he scored two crucial goals in the 2005 UEFA Super Cup, inking his mark in the Liverpool history books despite his troubles in the Premier League.
Cissé suffered a second major leg fracture while playing for France against China in June 2006. He would then move to Marseille, first on loan, then permanent. He went on to play for Sunderland, Panathinaikos, Lazio, Queens Park Rangers, Al-Gharafa, Kuban Krasnodar and Bastia, to name a few.
He won 41 caps for France, scoring nine goals. Liverpool's record was 79 games played, 24 goals scored and three trophies won; the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and FA Cup.
The impact that Cissé made on the mind of fans was memorable because statistics do not tell the whole story. His frequent changes in hair colour, his dress code was extravagant, and he was Lord of the Manor of Frodsham, making him a recognizable figure among the players of the Rafael Benítez era.
He then went into broadcasting, coaching, fashion and music. Liverpool continues to be an integral part of his life. He had a career beset by injury setbacks, and in each instance came back to the stage, and when trophies were at stake, he delivered.