And now Babbel says that the reception he received made his efforts worthwhile, and that he feels part of the club more than ever.
He said: "It was a special night on Wednesday.
"For me, after so long out of the first team, it was great to feel that special atmosphere towards me.
"It has helped me a lot in the last few weeks when I have been warming up as a substitute and the fans have been chanting my name.
"I feel a real part of the club and that is a very good feeling to have. I can't express in words what that means to me or how much that support has helped me.
"It has given even more reason to come back and work harder and do everything right for the club and for the fans.
"Wednesday made the hard work worthwhile. It made me remember exactly what I have been working for."
And Babbel has thanked Gerard Houllier for the fantastic support he gave him during his hardest times, support that came at the same time as the Liverpool boss was recovering from major heart surgery
"Houllier can understand what I have been through and how precious life is.
"Like me, he was very ill last year and underwent a very serious operation.
"He also knows how hard it is to be without football.
"In pre-season I was thinking I was in better shape than I was. I was thinking 'I can do this' because I wanted to come straight back but I wasn't 100 per cent.
"I have been totally fit now for almost two months. I have had a couple of games in the reserves and I have been training well.
"But playing for the reserves is not the same as the first team. I have done well in the reserves and now was the time to make a step higher.
"It was very good for me to see where I am in my progress. I think we did well and I was happy with my performance.
"Like the manager, the club has been unbelievable with me. They gave me a new contract last year when they did not know when or if I would be back. That gave me a great feeling."