Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson admits having chats with former striker Luis Suarez, who now plays for their upcoming Champions League opponents Atletico Madrid.
The Reds and La Liga champions renew hostilities after the English side won a feisty game in the group stages last month, winning 3-2 in Spain.
Henderson spoke about a range of topics with the media pre-game, and had time to chat about his relationship with Uruguayan Suarez.
Asked if he speaks with Suraez, he said: "Not that often, to be honest, but now and again just to see how he is doing, how his family is doing and things like that. But not all the time.
"I think he helped us a lot when he was at Liverpool – mentality side of it, how he was in training, he always wanted to win.
"The things he played through in terms of pain barriers and things like that, he just wanted to get out, play football and try to do his best for the team. Like I said, I took a lot from him when he was here, I think he helped me massively, made me grow in confidence as a player. And I had a good relationship off the pitch but also on the pitch as well."
On what Suarez can do in the game, he added: "A lot of challenges. I think we all know he's a top player for a long time, produced so many good moments at Liverpool.
"I learned a lot from him while he was here, I'm quite close to him, I speak to him now and again. He's a world-class player and he causes a lot of problems for defences, he's always in and around the goal and if he gets a chance, I'm sure he'll take it.
"So we've got to be on our guard with him – not only him, they've got world-class players all over – but certainly Luis is a top striker and will cause any team problems."
And when asked about the reception Suarez may get from the fans at Anfield on Wednesday, Henderson finished: "When Luis was here he was phenomenal for a number of years, he was outstanding. And I think the fans know that, I think the fans will appreciate that and what he did at this football club.
"I don't think Luis will be too bothered but of course after the game it would be nice; maybe not during the game but after the game it would be nice for him to get a nice reception from the crowd."
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