By LUKE POWER
Published: 10:36 EDT, 22 May 2025 | Updated: 10:41 EDT, 22 May 2025
A Liverpool legend is set for a poignant moment when he hands Virgil van Dijk the Premier League trophy on Sunday.
Van Dijk will lift his second title with the Reds - and first as skipper - after their match against Crystal Palace at Anfield.
Arne Slot's men have been runaway champions and, despite only picking up one point in three games after sealing the title, retain a 12-point command over Arsenal.
This will be the first time Liverpool fans have seen a league title lift in the flesh since 1990 - the 2020 one was during lockdown - and as such will be a very special occasion.
But it will be even more emotional for one man in particular, a Liverpool icon, after he overcame a health scare which left him hospitalised last year.
That man is Alan Hansen and he will have the honour of handing Van Dijk the trophy on Sunday, Liverpool have revealed.
Hansen, 69, is a former Liverpool captain who needs little introduction.
He won three European Cups, eight league titles, two FA Cups and three League Cups in 620 appearances for the Reds across a glittering stint from 1977 to 1991.
Last June Hansen was hospitalised as he was 'seriously' ill and he remained there for two weeks before being discharged to continue his recovery at home. In March he accepted his MBE from Prince William.
The Scot received an outpouring of love when people heard of his situation last summer.
Gary Lineker was among those who reacted with delight to hearing he had been discharged, describing it as 'the best news ever'.
Former England boss Glenn Hoddle said: 'What great news that Alan Hansen is out of hospital and at home. Take it easy big man.'
Ex-Liverpool striker John Aldridge also commented: 'Great news to see you my old mate Alan (Jockey) Hansen has been released from hospital.'
Former team-mate Graeme Souness meanwhile told talkSPORT: 'I spoke to him a couple days ago. Anyone who's met Alan Hansen, he has a wicked sense of humour so I've had two conversations with him in the last five, six days.
'Both conversations were me on the receiving end of his humour, so that tells me he's on the way back.'
After his playing career, Hansen made a smooth transition to punditry. He rejected the offer of going into management before pursuing a career in broadcasting, where he would take up positions with Sky and BBC Radio 5 Live.
He subsequently joined up with BBC Match of the Day as a co-host in 1992 before leaving the show in 2014 having covered 16 FA Cup finals, six World Cups, five European Championships and one Olympic Games with the BBC.
During this time, Hansen became known for his sharp analytical mind and his criticism of defenders, having played the position himself.
He stepped away from punditry after the 2014 World Cup, but has remained involved in the game by regularly attending matches at Anfield in recent years to watch his beloved Liverpool.
In October, the 69-year-old made an emotional return to Partick Thistle where he launched his illustrious career.
He received a standing ovation as he reunited with former team-mates at Scottish Championship club's Firhill Stadium.
Hansen launched his career at Partick Thistle and won the Scottish First Division in 1975-76 before moving to Anfield.
More to follow.
Virgil van DijkLiverpool