For Paolo Di Canio, Tony Carr's Testimonial was about more than just celebrating the career of West Ham United's esteemed Academy Director.
Wednesday evening was about revisiting the stadium and the club that gave him so much happiness during four-and-a-half years in east London between 1999 and 2003.
"He's a great man. He gave his life for this club so, for me, it was a great honour to come back and I have to thank him for the chance he gave to me to feel, to listen to my heart rushing in my chest because it's always a special occasion.
"I came back here many times for watching the game, but to go through the tunnel and on to the pitch and see the people, a lot of memories came out and made me a very happy person inside.
"It left me thinking I was really, really lucky to have the chance to play for this fantastic club and for these fantastic supporters."
Now 41, Di Canio admitted his best days are behind him, but there were still glimpses of his old magic.
"The problem is that I'm getting older. The feeling is like a 20-year-old, but the legs are tired when I play! It's not important because, in life, if you have a chance to have memories, you must think you are lucky. On Wednesday, I realised I was a really lucky person."
The Italian tried hard to mark his return with a goal, coming closest in the final moments when he took a pass from Gianfranco Zola and went past goalkeeper Marek Stech, only for Academy striker Cristian Montano to plant the ball in the empty net.
In typically magnanimous style, Di Canio wished the teenager the best for the future.
"It's better that he scored because he has a long career to play. I did my job in the past, so it's good for him because maybe it can give his career an extra lift. I'm happy for him. It's not the time for Di Canio to score a goal!"