Former world champion darts star Stephen Bunting admitted that he was left "starstruck" as he enjoyed an unexpected encounter with Liverpool hero Jerzy Dudek in Rotterdam.

The Polish goalkeeper earned legend status at Anfield for his pivotal role in the Reds' fabled win over AC Milan in the 2005 Champions League final. Having experienced mixed form up until then on Merseyside, he wrote his name into folklore as he played his part in one of the most storied comebacks in the history of the club game.

The former Feyenoord man was on hand to stop Andriy Shevchenko with a memorable double-save in extra time to force penalties with the scores locked at 3-3. Having come from three-goals down to level proceedings during the second half in Istanbul, the Reds eventually emerged victorious in the shootout - with Dudek saving the decisive spot kick to earn Liverpool a historic fifth European Cup.

Having employed the same "wobbly legs" technique that worked so well for predecessor Bruce Grobbelaar as the Merseysiders beat AS Roma in the 1984 edition, Dudek's tactics proved successful as he saved two penalties in the shootout. Alongside famous saving Shevchenko's effort, he also denied maestro Andrea Pirlo from 12 yards.

Fast forward nearly 20 years and Liverpool-born darts superstar Bunting enjoyed the privilege of coming face-to-face with the bona fide Anfield icon. Having grown up on Merseyside, the 40-year-old's joy was written all over his face as he ran into Dudek while in Rotterdam for Night 11 of Premier League Darts.

Taking to social media, the darts fan favorite admitted that he was left in awe after getting to meet one of his heroes, with the Polish retired goalkeeper having been staying at the same hotel in the city. He said on X: "All the way to Rotterdam and this @LFC legend @Jurek_Dudek staying at the same hotel. Not very often I’m star struck."

Showing that Liverpool is never far from his thoughts, Dudek was clad in an LFC-branded baseball cap, as he posed alongside the man known as "The Bullet". As for the latter, eagle-eyed supporters will have noticed that the darts sensation was wearing the Reds' white away jersey during his impromptu encounter - albeit underneath a black hoodie.

Fans took to the comments section to express their delight for Bunting after he got the chance to meet a modern day Liverpool legend. One supporter remarked: "A true LFC legend. I’ll never forget watching that Champions League final, as a second said: "He's starstruck meeting you, mate."

Meanwhile, a third said: "That double save in ‘05 is etched in my head daily! Spaghetti legs, the miracle of Istanbul! Wow! Cherish meeting your heroes mate! Hope you’re well pal, as a fourth added: "Good of you to pose with a fan stephen! Top bloke."

Bunting later took to X to speak with anticipation ahead of his Premier League Darts outing in Rotterdam, where he was later defeated by Chris Dobey. He posted: "Arrived at the venue ahead of tonight’s Premier League here in Rotterdam. Thanks again for all your messages. Time to hit the board and prepare for tonight."