But after making his emotional return against Roma Houllier hasn't looked back, and as Liverpool sit top of the Premiership after a phenomenal run of results he insists that retirement couldn't have been further from his mind.
"Never once did the thought of retiring enter my mind. From the start, practically on a daily basis, I was in touch with the staff.
"I knew I was coming back because what we had achieved wasn't enough for me. I am in the same ship as everyone here at Anfield and we are sailing somewhere. I am staying on board during that journey. This is my team and I want to see it through.
"The funny thing is that everyone is now tipping us for the title, whereas a few weeks ago no-one was even mentioning us in the same breath as Arsenal or Manchester United."