James Milner was heard issuing an explicit jibe at Liverpool's rival Manchester United the last time the Reds lifted the Premier League trophy, with Virgil van Dijk set to do so in front of a packed Anfield later today.
Arne Slot's side has been waiting for this moment for some time having wrapped up the league title against Spurs a few weeks back. It has since picked up just one point from three games, but the celebrations have continued nonetheless.
Van Dijk and his teammates have had extra time to relish in winning the title. FA Cup winner Crystal Palace will give Liverpool a guard of honor before the game kicks off, and the Reds' captain will lift the silverware shortly after the final whistle.
Last time Liverpool won the league title, in 2020, Jordan Henderson lifted the trophy in front of an almost empty stadium. This time, though, there will be a full house in attendance.
Gini Wijnaldum did an Instagram live video five years ago, with Milner heard calling Manchester United 'f****** w*****s" in the background, presumably unaware that the stream was taking place.
The former England international, now at Brighton, collected his third Premier League winners' medal that day, having twice been crowned champions of England with Manchester City.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JULY 22: Jordan Henderson of Liverpool holds the Premier League Trophy aloft along side Mohamed Salah as they celebrate winning the League during the presentation ceremony of the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Chelsea FC at Anfield on July 22, 2020 in Liverpool, England. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
Liverpool had to lift the Premier League title in an empty stadium back in July 2020 (Image: undefined via Getty Images)
And he admitted that it was the first time in his life that he had been pleased to see red ribbons attached to the Premier League trophy, with celebrations always tailored to match the champions' club colors.
A childhood Leeds United fan, Milner broke through as a young player at Elland Road. He then moved to Newcastle United and Aston Villa before joining Manchester City.
A move to Liverpool in 2015 further cemented the Manchester United rivalry, and Milner could not help himself in taking a swipe at Liverpool's north-west neighbours. "It’s the first time I ever wanted a red ribbon," Milner was heard saying. "It’s always been United before. F****** w*****s."
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In winning the title for the second time in five years under Slot, Liverpool has now drawn level on 20 league titles with Manchester United. It looks well-placed to move ahead in the all-time standings next.
"I know I have been looking forward to this ever since we were confirmed as Premier League champions last month, and I'm sure you guys have been exactly the same," Van Dijk writes in today's matchday program.
"There have been a few celebrations over the last few weeks, as you know, but the idea of being at Anfield and lifting that trophy in front of all our supporters? That's something different. It's something special.
"Having been denied this in 2020, we all have a duty to make the most of this opportunity, and to make it the most happy and joyful experience possible."