LUIS GARCIA played a key role in Liverpool’s stunning run to Champions League glory in 2005 – and now he has shattered a world record in his first role since hanging up his boots.
The Spaniard, 48, which allowed the Merseyside giants to see off Chelsea.
And Liverpool went on to from a 3-0 deficit to beat AC Milan on penalties in the final.
But now Garcia is making waves as the chief executive of Johor Darul Ta’zim following a surprise career move.
The Malaysian giants, who in pre-season, are on a world record run of 113 domestic clashes unbeaten.
And Garcia, who has former Watford boss Xisco Munoz in the dugout, is planning to make his side a global powerhouse after taking the job last year.
The former winger told the Daily Mail : “[The role] sort of came out of nowhere.
“After playing, I had done ambassadorial work for Liverpool and Barcelona, and been working for ESPN.
“But I always wanted to look into the business side of . I had been in meetings and was interested in that side of the game.
“I flew to Malaysia to meet with His Royal Highness and then it was very quick.
“From that opportunity, I understood his vision, the work he is behind, the journey they have been through since 2012 and what he wants to achieve with .
“The amount of work, commitment and determination to make Johor Darul Ta’zim the biggest club in south-east Asia is incredible.
“You can see it straight away, winning the league 12 times in a row, reaching the Asian quarter-final last year.
“We are like a European club based in Malaysia, the mentality is exactly the same.
“The academy is run by coaches made in Spain. It has been perfect for me – I am extremely happy and grateful and looking forward to where we can take the club in the future.”
found the net a sensational 117 TIMES in 24 Malaysia Super League showdowns last season.
They conceded just 10 goals and remained unbeaten after only having to settle for one draw.
cult hero Garcia has seen Johor Darul Ta’zim already move three points clear at the summit this term – and they are yet to have their defence breached after five outings.
