Source: Manchester_EveningNews
Barca misery drives Carrick on
MICHAEL Carrick will never forget the memories from Moscow 2008 but Rome last May is the recollection that really drives him on.
The United midfielder was one of the Reds' successful penalty takers in the dramatic shoot-out against Chelsea here in the Luzhniki Stadium for the 2008 Champions League final.
After 120 minutes of drama, United triumphed in the 12-yard test of nerve.
But, as holders in Italy against Barcelona last May, Carrick was among the mid- fielders overrun by sensational Spaniards Iniesta and Xavi.
As he returned to the scene of the trophy triumph Carrick said: "Because it was so big, the game is quite strong in the memory.
"I remember it being so wet but standing there to take my own penalty was probably the strongest memory of all.
"I just looked in front of me and prayed it was going to hit the back of the net."
Chelsea skipper John Terry's crucial miss was the only spot kick Carrick decided not to watch 18 months ago.
"It was the first penalty I didn't look at," he said. "I had watched them all but I thought it was time to do something different.
"I had tried little things for all Chelsea's penalties but whatever I did, it wasn't working. So this time I looked at the ground. I thought it was all over. I thought he was going to score. Thankfully for us, and unfortunately for JT, it went differently.
"Without doubt Moscow was the best day of my career. Nothing tops that. But I do take more from the losses and the negatives. They are the things that spur me on."
