John Aldridge has spoken of his pride at getting the opportunity to represent his beloved Liverpool again as part of the Legends squad that will take on Real Madrid in aid of the LFC Foundation at Anfield on Saturday.

After cheering on the Reds from the Kop as a youngster, Aldridge got to live out his dreams in the cherished No.8 jersey, netting 63 goals in 104 games for the club between 1987 and 1989.

This afternoon, the Scouser will play alongside the likes of Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher against the Spanish giants, who will field icons such as Luis Figo and Roberto Carlos.

And it is an occasion Aldridge admits he can’t wait for.

“It’s exciting,” the former Republic of Ireland striker told Liverpoolfc.com. “I’m 58 now and getting on a bit so to get asked to be involved first and foremost was really pleasing.

“If I can get 10 minutes or anything on the day that would be great - as long as the lads have got the game won then it would be a bonus for me and Rushie to come on!

“We are all proud of this ground with the new Main Stand and to play in front of it for the first time is going to be special.

“I’ve played at Anfield over the last couple of years in a few of the games we’ve had for charity and the fans are absolutely brilliant.

“It’s always a sell-out and it doesn’t surprise me because Liverpool fans are fantastic. It’s going to be brilliant.”

Ahead of the game, Aldridge joined the likes of Gerrard in a training session at the Academy as the Legends prepare to roll back the years.

Giving an insight into the fitness of the squad, he revealed supporters could be in for a treat.

He said: “To be fair all of the lads are looking good. I was impressed with the little touches of Steve McManaman, keeping the ball dead close to his feet.

“Gary Mac [McAllister] looks like he could still play but all of the lads you can see in their own little way they haven’t lost it.

“As for myself, my brain knew what to do but my legs couldn’t do what the brain wanted me to do! It’s great to be playing alongside Stevie G as he is just different class. He’s so special, even in these little practice games.”

Free video: Legends training session at the Academy

Revenge is also on the minds of the Reds after they lost 4-2 to Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu in June 2015.

Aldridge added: “The shoe is on the other foot now and we want to get our backs against them and win this one!

“You saw in the training game how competitive everyone is. We are all winners and we were all winners when we were part of Liverpool.When you throw in an occasion like this when there is 54,000 people watching, you don’t want to let them down as well.

“Take it from me the lads are well up for it! Real Madrid have got some great players. It’s a fantastic club and it’s great to have them here but it would be even better to beat them.

“I haven’t seen their team yet but it will be great to see Luis Figo and Roberto Carlos again. We can’t wait for Saturday.”

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The main reason for the game being staged is to raise funds for the Liverpool FC Foundation, and Aldridge said it’s the least the former players can do to help the local community.

He continued: “We are very fortunate as ex-players because we are in a position where we can help people and children in particular in need and we all do our little bit in various forms and ways.

“The LFC Foundation is fantastic and it’s really important.”

How to watch LFC Legends v Real Madrid for free