American investors delighted with Rafa dividend

LIVERPOOL (AFP) — Liverpool's new co-owner George Gillett has admitted he and partner Tom Hicks have been pleasantly surprised to see such a quick return on their 500-million-pound investment in the club following Rafael Benitez's side's advance to another Champions League final.

Gillett and Hicks were in the stands to witness Liverpool's penalties win over Chelsea on Tuesday night and there is no doubting that the American duo have been bowled over by the unique atmosphere the club's fans can generate at Anfield.

Gillett was seen hugging and kissing fans in the director's box and later admitted that Benitez's achievement in taking Liverpool to the final for the second time in three years had surpassed his expectations.

"We knew Rafa was good - but not this good!" Gillett said. "Rafa has been tremendous. My sons and I followed the sport ...