Liverpool supporters serenaded Federico Chiesa as they lined the streets of the city to hail their heroes during the club's Premier League trophy parade - as the forward continues to be linked with an Anfield exit.
The Italian was the Reds' only major signing last summer and performed a bit-part role in the squad during Arne Slot's first season on Merseyside. Despite only making six appearances in the league, supporters have taken the former Juventus winger to their hearts by bestowing him with his own customary chant.
To the tune of Dean Martin's "Sway", Kopites have adapted the lyrics to the iconic 1950s swing number with the chant becoming a favorite on the terraces. During the title celebrations at the Kop end, Chiesa played up to his cult hero status by lifting the trophy aloft as the Anfield faithful crooned in his honor.
The Italian attacker may not have had the impact observers may have hoped following on from his move to England just over a year ago, his mixed form on the field does not seem to have adversely affected his status in the stands. As he celebrated alongside his girlfriend with the Premier League trophy in hand, his teammates encouraged him to soak up the adulation.
With Reds mainstay leading the way, his colleagues swarmed around him as the Kop sung his popular chant in unison in one of the standout moments of the celebrations. His teammates even joined in the song, which has arguably become the soundtrack of this 20th title win for the club.
Strains of the tune could be heard on multiple occasions during the game too - even if Chiesa never managed to make the squad for matchday. The lyrics to the song in question are as follows: "We can hear them crying in Turin, Federico, he’s here to win, One chat with Arne Slot and he said ciao, F--- off Juve, I’m a Kopite now!"
Federico Chiesa and some of his Liverpool teammates with the Premier League trophy.
Federico Chiesa and some of his Liverpool teammates with the Premier League trophy. (Image: Sebastian Frej/Getty Images)
Unsurprisingly, fans were heard singing the song in Chiesa's honor as supporters made their feelings known towards the Italian forward during the Premier League title parade. As the bus made its way from its start location in Allerton, it took just minutes before the crowds started chanting his name once more.
However, it remains to be seen whether the former Juventus star's stay on Merseyside will be brought to a close in the coming months. Having failed to establish himself at Anfield as a first-team regular, newly-crowned Serie A champions Napoli have been linked with the player.
Meanwhile, Arne Slot discussed the club's transfer plans heading into the window which is set to open this summer. He said: "We just want good players and ideally you sign them as soon as you can.
Liverpool attacker Federico Chiesa has been linked with a move away from Anfield.
Liverpool attacker Federico Chiesa has been linked with a move away from Anfield. (Image: Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
"But it's not always easy to sign good players, let alone to sign them early in the window. But this club doesn't start working from today onwards. There is so much hard work being done behind the scenes already this season to find out which targets we have and try to sign them.
"I have all the confidence that if we've addressed the right player that we try to sign that player. But let's see when that's going to happen and if that's going to happen because I'm very happy with the squad we already have."
He said: "I think the biggest quality Federico has is scoring goals, so the more you get him in and around the box, the more chance you have of him scoring a goal. The more you get him in and around the box, the more chance you have of him scoring a goal.
"He got a good chance just before Mo (Salah) had his big chance, Mo assisted for Federico. For him to have an open shot in 18-yard-box is a very good chance for Federico because he's such a good finisher.
He added: "I think he did even more than I can expect from him, because if you haven't played throughout the whole season, hardly ever start and then play Brighton away, a very good team who can bring Kaoru Mitoma on minutes before the end, that tells you everything about this league.