Virgil van Dijk led Liverpool’s jubilant celebrations after they finally ended their 30-year league title wait on Thursday night.
Gathering together at a hotel, Jurgen Klopp’s men watched an outdoor screen as Chelsea’s 2-1 victory over Manchester City at Stamford Bridge confirmed their position as champions in an outstanding campaign which has seen them drop just seven points all season.
Klopp was clearly emotional as he appeared on television afterwards – while his players were in the mood to party as they mobbed Van Dijk during his interview on BT Sport. Then it was on to a championship celebration with the players’ wives at ‘the home of the champions’.
Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson was coy when quizzed on where players celebrating, keen to preserve the secret nature of their hideout for fears ‘thousands of fans would turn up’ to join them.
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
Virgil van Dijk was giving an interview once the title was confirmed but he was soon mobbed
Players chanted ‘champeones’ as the Dutchman was piled on by team-mates in celebration
Van Dijk (right) marked the moment of the title celebrations with a selfie alongside captain Jordan Henderson (far left) and fellow centre back partner Joe Gomez (middle)
Jurgen Klopp could barely hide the tears as he reflected on what is an historic season
Divock Origi gave a nod to the celebrations by showing off the drinks available to players
Players did a drum-roll for the final seconds of the match at Stamford Bridge as they sat together as a group in an outdoor seating area at the hotel.
Defender Andy Robertson, goalkeeper Alisson and playmaker Roberto Firmino were among those bursting into song in club colours as the squad shared their joy.
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.’
An emotional Klopp admitted he is ‘completely overwhelmed’ after Liverpool’s title win
Klopp was speaking to Sir Kenny Dalglish (right), who secured Liverpool’s last league title
Liverpool fans celebrate after seeing their side win the Premier League on Thursday night
‘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.
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.
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. Jurgen Klopp epitomises everything that this football club is about. Onwards and upwards.’
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
Ex-Liverpool winger 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.’