Jermaine Pennant defends himself against the Champions League tattoo after losing the 2007 final with Liverpool

Jermaine Pennant has defended his decision to get a tattoo commemorating his appearance in the 2007 Champions League final.

Outstanding pennant for Rafa Benítez's Liverpool in the final against AC Milan, a repeat of the thrilling 2005 victory over the Italians in Istanbul.

However, this time the Reds were beaten 2-1 in Athens, Pennant's only appearance in the Champions League final.

The former winger, not one to downplay such an achievement, celebrated his final performance by getting a tattoo to commemorate the final.

While most would prefer to put those disappointments behind them, Pennant made sure to remember the game every time he looks at his leg.

The topic of memorial tattoos was discussed at the Sports Bar on Wednesday night after Ivan Toney exclusively told talkSPORT that would be adding to your collectionin case England reign supreme at the Euros this summer.

Presenter Jamie O'Hara, who has an impressive catalog of tattoos, was quick to mock the former Reds winger by saying: “You can't get a tattoo of a game you've lost.”

However, Pennant was having none of that and doubled down on his decision to mark the occasion with a new work of art.

“But it's a Champions League final, how many players have played in a Champions League final?” Pennant replied.

“It's like people keeping a shirt or people framing an FA Cup semi-final or final shirt.”

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O'Hara tried to differentiate between an embroidered shirt and a permanent tattoo to which Pennant replied: “Yes, but I prefer it on my leg than on my wall, at least it's there with me all the time.

“It's a photo of the trophy and inside, the Champions League logo with the stars and inside it says '2007 Champions League Final.'

“It's a moment that I will cherish for the rest of my life as a big part of my career and I was named player of the match.”

Pennant received praise for his performance that night, but he could do little to inspire Liverpool to another miraculous comeback.

A goal in each half from Filippo Inzaghi put Milan ahead before Dirk Kuyt pulled one back with a minute left.

After two last appearances in three years, the Reds would wait a decade for their next chance to become kings of Europe against real Madrid in Kyiv.