Liverpool stars burst into wild celebrations after the final whistle blew to confirm their runaway Premier League title triumph on Thursday.
Defender Virgil van Dijk was mobbed by his ecstatic team-mates after watching Chelsea beat Manchester City at Stamford Bridge to ensure Pep Guardiola’s men could not catch Jurgen Klopp’s side at the top of the table.
Defender Andy Robertson, goalkeeper Alisson and playmaker Roberto Firmino were among those bursting into song in club colours as the squad shared their joy.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain recorded the moments at the final whistle when Liverpool’s first league title in 30 years was confirmed as players watched together at a Merseyside hotel
Liverpool fans celebrate after seeing their side win the Premier League on Thursday night
Fans haven’t been able to see the side since March but there were jubilant scenes in Liverpool
Robertson revealed that the players were hoping boss Jurgen Klopp would give them a rest after the party, telling the BBC: ‘We’re still trying to convince the boss downstairs to give us a few days off!
‘Give him a couple more beers and I think we’ll get two days off.’
Tearful manager Klopp had to cut an interview short as he admitted: ‘I have no real words. I never would have thought I would feel like this.
‘It is easy for me to motivate the team because of our great history. This is for you [fans] out there. I hope you stay at home. Celebrate at the front of your house.’
Reds boss Jurgen Klopp was overwhelmed with emotion after winning the Premier League
‘I have no words. It’s unbelievable. Becoming champions with this club is incredible.’
Captain Jordan Henderson praised Klopp for revolutionising the club, saying: ‘It wouldn’t be possible to do it without the manager. From day one he changed everything. We all followed him.
‘What you see is what you get, with his press conferences and on the sidelines.
‘Obviously he has got more of a personal side with the players, but he has got a balance of having a relationship with the players and being a friend but also being a bit ruthless when he needs to be.
Anfield was submerged by red smoke as fans marked a momentous day for the city and club
Liverpool have won 28 of their 31 matches this season and have not lost at Anfield since 2017
Rafael Benitez, who won the Champions League as Reds boss in 2005, added congratulations
‘He is a great leader and a great human being and we all believe in him. To be honest, I’m lost for words. You never really think of this moment. When this moment comes I can’t really describe it. It’s another moment in our lives that we’ll never forget.
‘It feels amazing. I’m so happy for all the boys. The club, the whole city. I am so proud of what we achieved.’
Before his triumphant team-mates pounced on him, Van Dijk told BT Sport: ‘It’s incredible to be part of this group of players.
Virgil van Dijk said the victory had taken the club to a different level after a near-flawless term
‘Last season we won the Champions League and this year, especially in the Premier League, we have taken it to a different level. We have been so consistent and doing so well.
‘It’s a fantastic feeling. From the moment I’ve joined it’s one team, everyone is part of it, from the people that work at Melwood, in the stadium and the players of course. We all want the same thing. Off the pitch we have a bond which is outstanding as well.’
Liverpool’s last top-flight triumph came in 1990 but they won the title at a canter this time, completing the job with a 23-point lead over Manchester City and seven matches to spare.
Kenny Dalglish, who was their manager when they lifted the First Division trophy, watched the players start the party and said: ‘I’m very pleased for everybody connected with the football club. Jurgen has done a fantastic job.
‘The highlight has been the camaraderie within the team and the way everyone has helped the team.
Van Dijk (right) spoke glowingly of the outstanding bond between the players and Klopp
Klopp took over as coach in 2015 and led the club to the Champions League title last season
‘We have many more happy days to look forward to as long as Jurgen is here. Liverpool from top to bottom in the football club have been fantastically supportive. You know how much it means.’
Klopp dedicated the title to Dalglish and club legend Steven Gerrard, who praised his former boss and club owners Fenway Sports Group on Instagram.
The former Reds captain wrote: ‘Congratulations to all on winning the premier league.
Liverpool won the title without kicking a ball after Manchester City were beaten 2-1 at Chelsea
Former Liverpool star Ryan Babel was among the club’s former players delighted at the news
‘Incredible achievement from a fantastic squad of top players, led by a world-class manager and coaching team.
‘And lastly and most importantly, the fans who have waited 30 years.’
‘Jurgen Klopp epitomises everything that this football club is about. Onwards and upwards.’