Former Reading FC defender Kaspars Gorkss described the legends match as an ‘emotional’ occasion.
It was amazing. On and off the field to see the guys was most important as we haven’t seen each other for a while,” said Gorkss.
“I haven’t kicked a ball for a while so it was an amazing occasion.
“I think when you have to chase Leroy (Lita) back you have to be fit.
“The fitness was not the most important thing in these games, the most important thing is to see everyone, see Brian (McDermott, Gibbo (Nigel Gibbs), all the medical staff, it was very good.
“In general, these last couple of days all the memories have come flooding back and I’ve been able to tell the stories to my kids, who I think were only four and six at the time, but now they’re all grown up so it’s great they had the opportunity to come here for the day and see, although maybe not the best quality of football, but a great atmosphere for sure.”
Gorkss joined the Royals in 2011 from Queens Park Rangers and played a vital role in securing promotion to the Premier League under Brian McDermott.
The sturdy central defender played 42 of the 46 games in the Championship in 2011/12 as the Royals fought off competition from Southampton and West Ham United to take the Championship crown.
Gorkss played 14 times in the Premier League the following season, scoring once, and then appeared in more one Championship season before departing the club.
He continued: “It was great to be back to see all the fans, to be in the dressing room with all the boys.
“You can’t help but to feel a bit emotional because when I was here the first time, you take some things for granted as a part of your purpose or job.
“Now coming back and experiencing that, it’s completely different.
“You learn to appreciate things much more when some time has passed since then.
“For sure I look back at my days here as some of the best in my career, it was one of the best times in my life.”
