Liverpool embarked on their Premier League title-winners parade on bank holiday as they braved the Merseyside rain.
The Reds lifted the trophy at a sun-soaked Anfield on Sunday, with supporters revelling in one of the best days in the club’s recent history.
And the fun continued on Monday, even if the weather did not quite hold out for Arne Slot and the Liverpool squad.
One player who certainly seemed to enjoy himself during the celebrations on Sunday was Federico Chiesa.
Although initially reluctant to lift the Premier League trophy in front of the Kop, Chiesa was ultimately given a rousing rendition of his new song. With teammates piling in to celebrate with the Italian, it was one of the most wholesome images of the day.
Despite the fact he started just one league game all season, fans clearly do not want Chiesa to leave And offered the chance to reply to the Reds’ faithful during Monday’s parade, the 27-year-old gave a heartfelt thank you for all the support during a ‘tough’ season.
Photo by Sebastian Frej/Getty Images
Photo by Sebastian Frej/Getty Images
Federico Chiesa thanks Liverpool fans
It really has been a difficult first season at Anfield for Chiesa. Having played so little under Slot, there remains a likelihood of the Italy international departing this summer.
In the meantime, though, Chiesa was clearly moved by the scenes during Monday’s parade.
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“Today is unbelievable, to celebrate such a trophy with the fans and stay on this bus with the lads it’s just incredible,” the forward said when asked to describe his feelings live on LFCTV.
“We deserve it, my teammates were incredible this year, thanks to the coach, thanks to the staff it was an amazing achievement and they truly deserve to celebrate with the fans today.”
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Asked how Liverpool‘s offering compared to those in Italy, Chiesa also addressed the chant written and belted out
“Well actually I never won a championship, so I don’t know [how it compares],” he said. “For the European one it was really, really good but today the city is just crazy, just madness out there, it’s unbelievable.”
“The song, I have to thank the fans because I didn’t play that much this year but to receive this love back from the fans is just amazing,” said Chiesa. “I have to thank them and the song has a good tune actually!
“I’m so proud of the team, when I first came here they just immediately made me feel part of the team and supported me during the tough times I had this year. I have to thank them all. I’m a teammate, I’m one of the boys, even if I didn’t play I tried to give my best in training.”
Will Chiesa leave Liverpool?
There are two trains of thought when it comes to Chiesa this summer. The first, and probably the most widespread, is that he will move on having failed to impress Slot at Liverpool.
While that does currently seem more likely, it would be a real shame to lose Chiesa having not really had a proper chance to see the best of him.
As his interview aboard the bus showed, the former Juventus man has impeccable English and is clearly very well liked within the club. He deserves a real chance having had a proper pre-season.
And therein lies the second school of thought with Chiesa: that having arrived from Juve without the required level of fitness, this year can basically be written off.
With everyone starting back at zero in pre-season, he can then begin his Liverpool career proper and earn more of a role in the squad next season. We know which option we prefer. He is a Kopite now, after all.