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When Luis Garcia arrived at Liverpool training for the first time his new team-mates gathered around and told him 'Everton and Manchester United are the biggest games you're going to play here. So try to win them.'

Twelve years later and on the eve of Liverpool's UEFA Europa League Round of 16 first leg clash against United, Garcia reflected on what it felt like to play in one of football's greatest grudge matches.   

"It's hard to explain, they've been probably the most important teams in England for... always," he said. "They've been fighting for titles over the years and as a Liverpool player, every time you play them you want to beat them.

"When I signed for Liverpool I remember that the first thing the guys told me that even if you finish fifth, sixth it doesn't matter, you have to win those games. Everton and Manchester United are the biggest games you're going to play here. so try to win them."

"Right now the teams are very close. They're fighting for the top four positions in the league and even though anything can happen, you never know what is going to happen because they are special games." 

Garcia, who went on to win the UEFA Champions League at Liverpool in 2004-2005 and finish runner-up two seasons later, said that despite the comparative closeness of the two sides, the match would take on a heightened feeling, not only because of the rivalry, but the Anfield atmosphere on a European night. 

"The feeling of playing one of those european nights is just different," he said. "The atmosphere at the stadium is different and the songs that the supporters sing are even louder.

"The players know how important it is because Liverpool is one of the biggest teams in the world and one of the clubs with the most European games. You feel differently because you know how important it is for the supporters to win these games."

"Those nights are special, it's a different feeling. A fantastic feeling.

"I would love to be there tomorrow, it is the kind of game that every player in the world wants to be involved in. 

"It's one of the biggest games in England, if not the biggest. and around the world. Even though it is the Europa League and not as big as the Champions League Im sure that  is a marquee game and millions of people want to watch it around the world.

Now playing with A-League club Central Coast Mariners, the 37 year-old said Liverpool's family environment is what makes it such an endearing club for players who have worn the jersey.

Barcelona star Luis Suarez this week posted images of a quick visit to Liverpool training training on social media, having caught up with his ex-team-mates. The Uruguayan has spoken of his love for his former club and Garcia could relate to the feeling. 

"When I arrived there I felt like I was home with the family. All the people at the club, all the supporters on the street make you feel welcome," he said. 

"I was playing for Barcelona in Spain and changed everything. Your family, your friends, your city. 

"I spent three years there and Suarez was almost the same. You're spending a lot of time with the people at the club, the supporters. It feels like home and that's something you always feel grateful for.

"I've been away for ten years and every time I arrive in Liverpool the people take care of you. The club feels like a family and that's very important when you bring someone in from a different culture. If you don't know how to treat them how to take care of them, it can affect their way of playing and their way of living. When that's taken care of you can deliver."

As for the Europa League first leg clash, Garcia backed his former club to take the advantage into the second leg.

"I think it will be a tight game. I will go for 1-0 for Liverpool," he said.