Alan Hansen will make an emotional return to Anfield on Sunday as the Liverpool legend will present the Premier League trophy to Virgil van Dijk after the Crystal Palace game
19:18, 22 May 2025
Alan Hansen
(Image: Getty)
Liverpool have made a touching move by placing club icon Alan Hansen at the heart of their Premier League title celebrations this Sunday.
Hansen is set to make an emotional comeback to Anfield for Liverpool's season finale against Crystal Palace, where they'll hoist the trophy.
The 69-year-old will hand over the Premier League trophy to Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk following the 4pm kick-off at Anfield. It's a fitting tribute from the club after Hansen's recovery from a serious illness last year.
Hansen, who clocked up 620 appearances and bagged eight league titles for the Reds, was hospitalised in June due to health issues. The football community showered the former centre-back with well wishes, and he has been recuperating since his return home.
He attended a ceremony at Windsor Castle in March to receive an MBE from Prince William. The ex-Liverpool captain was honoured as a Member of the Order of the British Empire for his contributions to football and broadcasting.
Broadcaster and former footballer Alan Hansen is awarded an MBE for services to association football and to Broadcasting at Windsor Castle, Windsor, England, UK on Tuesday 18 March, 2025., Credit:Justin Ng / Avalon
Alan Hansen was awarded an MBE this year(Image: Justin Ng / Avalon)
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During his 14-year stint at Liverpool, Hansen clinched three European Cups, eight league titles, two FA Cups and three League Cups.
Post-retirement, Hansen carved out a successful career as a pundit and became a staple on Match of the Day, alongside his former Liverpool colleague Mark Lawrenson and host Gary Lineker, reports the Mirror.
Hansen is set to hand over the trophy to Van Dijk, with Mark and Jo McVeigh from the Owen McVeigh Foundation joining the festivities.
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The charity was born out of tragedy in 2015 when the McVeighs lost their son Owen to leukaemia, and now they collaborate with Alder Hey Children's Hospital to support families facing similar challenges.
Van Dijk, who has just penned a fresh two-year deal with Liverpool, is sure to be keen on a chat with Hansen, the former captain who led the Reds for four years.
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The Dutch defender has already highlighted the significance of the title, which marks a triumphant start to Arne Slot's managerial tenure.
"I speak about everyone who is connected to Liverpool can celebrate and enjoy because that is what you should do as well," he remarked following their victory over Spurs that sealed the championship.