Danny Murphy concedes leaving Liverpool when he did stands as a regret given their Champions League triumph later that season.
Rafa Benitez delivered Europe's top prize in dramatic fashion during his first year at Anfield.
But prior to the season starting he told Danny Murphy chances would be at a premium as he shaped his squad.
The midfielder had been a regular during his seven years on Merseyside and prioritised playing - a decision he regrets with the benefit of hindsight.
“I feel very blessed. I feel lucky to have played for the team I supported and loved growing up. It's all I ever wanted to do,” he told BBC Sport.
“To win trophies playing for the team you love as well is very surreal. It's probably only when you look back now in hindsight that you realise the enormity of it.
“The only thing for me of course is that the year I left they won the Champions League. Maybe I could have stayed and fought a bit harder under Rafa.
“It was a difficult decision for me at the time because I was so used to playing and I loved playing. He made it clear to me more than once that that wasn't going to be the case, so I had a difficult choice to make in a short period.
“People say they have no regrets. Well, I do, I regret not staying, but life is what it is. It was a wonderful seven years for me and being part of that Liverpool family is still very special to me.”
During his Reds career Murphy played 246 times and won six honours including a cup treble in 2001.
He also scored Liverpool's winner at Old Trafford in successive years.
