FORMER Liverpool defender Markus Babbel last night thanked Graeme Souness and Blackburn Rovers for helping to resurrect his career.

Babbel returned to his native Germany earlier this week after sealing a free transfer move to VfB Stuttgart.

But he'll never forget the part both Souness and Rovers played in putting him back on the map following a traumatic time at Liverpool, where he spent two years battling against the debilitating illness Guillain Barre syndrome.

"It was a good time for me to play for Blackburn," said Babbel, as he reflected on his season-long loan spell at Rovers.

"I got my fitness back after two years out of football and it was a good time.

"The club, and Graeme Souness in particular, were a great help to me."

Although Babbel admitted it was a wrench to leave England, he felt the time was right to sever his ties with Liverpool and return home, where he plans to finish his career.

"After Liverpool, this was the best thing for me," said Babbel, who was in Aalen last night to watch his new club, Stuttgart, beat VFL Bochum 3-0 in the German Cup.

"Liverpool are a massive club and I didn't want to play for a smaller one back in England, so I decided to come back to Germany because it's my home country and I've signed for a really good club.

"I can also play European football as well and that was one of the main reasons why I went back to Germany.

"Liverpool will always stay in my mind, though. I got great support there, especially during the hard times. I got massive support from the club and the fans.

"We also won five trophies in my first season and that was a fantastic year, so I've got a lot of good memories from my time there."

Meanwhile, Babbel has also backed the new Liverpool manager, Rafael Benitez, to bring the good times back to Anfield over the next couple of years after being impressed by the Spaniard's methods in training.

"I trained with him for a few days before I came here and I think he's a good man," added Babbel.

"I think he's a great choice and I wish both Liverpool and Blackburn all the best for the new season."