Former Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Barcelona midfielder Thiago Alcantara, who won the Champions League twice during his career and lifted two major trophies with the Reds, has responded after fans were filmed singing his name.
As the Liverpool parade took place on the streets of Merseyside, along The Strand, Thiago's song broke out. And the Spaniard later put the footage on social media with the caption "YNWA" and a love heart emoji.
Thiago was at Anfield for four years but he only made 68 appearances in that time because of a series of injuries. He retired from playing in 2024 and has since moved into coaching, spending some time with Barcelona, and enjoying some time off.
When Liverpool confirmed itself as Premier League champion by hammering Spurs 5-1 a few weeks ago, Thiago had sent a message of congratulations, clearly keeping a close eye on his former club.
He reposted Liverpool's official announcement of their title victory, captioning it: "Congrats lads [flexed biceps emoji]. YNWA."
Given it appears that Arne Slot is set to lose one of his assistants, John Heitinga, amid interest from Ajax, and he will need to source a replacement for the former Everton midfielder, someone of Thiago's experience might be worth considering.
Former Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara.
Former Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara. (Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Last summer, he spent time shadowing Hansi Flick at Barcelona and his playing career saw him experience three leagues and he speaks fluent Spanish, German and English.
"If Ajax would be smart they would consider [Heitinga]," Slot said recently. "He is ready to take on a job like that. If John is smart, he would stay here one more season."
It has been claimed by Football Insider that Dirk Kuyt is another option to join Slot's staff. Kuyt made 285 appearances for Liverpool after arriving from the Netherlands in 2006, when he was signed by Rafa Benitez.
Now 44, he has been managing the Belgian second-tier side Beerschot. He guided it to promotion in 2023/24.
However, his other managerial stint, in charge of ADO Den Haag in his homeland, was less successful. Kuyt lasted less than five months there and left the club sitting in 17th place in the Dutch second tier.
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"For Arne to win the Premier League in his first season in charge will be something no one will ever forget," Kuyt told The Athletic in March. "It took such a long time for Liverpool to win the championship.
"And then when it happened last time it was a bad time for people all over the world, but especially for Liverpool supporters because they couldn’t enjoy the success properly.
"I was really happy when Arne joined Liverpool because I knew what he was capable of after doing so well at Feyenoord. But nobody expected it to go this well, besides maybe Arne himself. He’s managed to build on Jurgen’s achievements and do it his way."