'I might be able to stand up in the tunnel now!'
Peter Crouch will always get a warm reception from Liverpool fans.
The striker's 42 goals in 134 appearances for the club, his role in helping claim the 2006 FA Cup, and his many memorable strikes en route to the 2007 Champions League final ensure he is fondly thought of by Reds.
But, ahead of his latest return to Anfield with Stoke City on Tuesday, there is one thing in particular he is excited for - and it isn't seeing the supporters again.
"I might be able to stand up fully in the tunnel now, so I'm looking forward to that!" he joked, reflecting on the new-look Main Stand.
Of course, on the pitch, it is unlikely Jürgen Klopp's team will be as hospitable to Crouch and his Potters teammates as they aim for three more Premier League points.
And the 6ft 7in centre-forward knows Stoke face an unenviable task in taking on the in-form Reds.
"Liverpool are an exciting team. I think the strength is going forward, they're very exciting to watch and they can score goals against anyone," he added.
"I look forward to playing against them and seeing them close up.
"Many people are talking about them for the title and it's been far too long since Liverpool won the league.
"You've got to give huge credit to the manager, he seems to have got a fantastic blend of young, hungry players.
"They're quick, they're good going forward, exciting to watch, and they're winning games, which is the most important thing.
"It'll be difficult for us to get a result there but I certainly wouldn't put it past us."
Since leaving Anfield in 2008, Crouch has netted against his former employers on three occasions.
He admits it is a 'strange' feeling to get one over on a club he so clearly loves, but he won't be holding back in his pursuit of goals on Tuesday.
"It is strange. I have such fond memories of the club and the fans were so good to me when I was there," he continued.
"Even now, I go back to the city quite a lot and whenever I'm there it's nice to chat to the fans who enjoyed it when I was there.
"It's difficult to score but that's my job and I enjoy scoring goals so, of course, I've got to try my best for my club at the moment and I'll be doing the same again if I get the opportunity."