Liverpool players celebrate with the Premier League trophy at Anfield on Sunday.
AFP
London: Liverpool’s players finally got their hands on the Premier League trophy — and Jurgen Klopp was back at Anfield to enjoy the celebrations.
The Reds clinched a record-equalling 20th English top-flight title on April 27 but had to wait a month to receive the trophy after their final game of the season — a 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace on Sunday.
Klopp, who stepped down as Liverpool manager at the end of the season, returned to Anfield for their campaign-ending party. The German was seen clapping and smiling as the players — starting with captain Virgil van Dijk — lifted the trophy to a backdrop of fireworks and ticker tape.
“He left the team in such a good place — disciplined, quality — and that’s what made my life, my job, easier to start,” said Arne Slot, Klopp’s successor. “Life as a Premier League manager is never easy because of all the competitors we had, but he couldn’t have left the club in a better place than he did.”
Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is reportedly set to join Real Madrid, received a warm reception after coming on as a halftime substitute — a contrast to the jeers he heard from some fans during a recent home match against Arsenal.
Best day in my life: Alexander-Arnold
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The 25-year-old was seen wiping away tears as he celebrated with teammates on Sunday.
“I didn’t know what to expect, stepping out at Anfield today after what happened a few weeks ago,” he said. “But I wanted to play for the club one more time. I said that to the manager and he trusted me to go in there at halftime.
“To get the reception I got means more than anything to me… I have never felt so loved and cared for like I did today.”
Alexander-Arnold called it “the best day of my life.”
Liverpool finished the season on 84 points, 10 clear of second-placed Arsenal.
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