Daijiworld Media Network- Liverpool
Liverpool, Apr 28: Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk expressed sheer joy and relief after leading his side to a historic 20th English league title, following a commanding 5-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on Sunday.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, the Dutch defender, who recently committed his future to Liverpool until 2027, described the club as “the most beautiful in the world” and revealed he was "desperate" to deliver the Premier League trophy to the fans.
“This is the most beautiful club in the world. We deserve this. We are going to enjoy the next couple of weeks and take it all in. I was desperate to win it for them [the fans] and all the supporters around the world — and for us as well. We have now won two Premier League trophies in five years,” said an emotional Van Dijk.
The latest triumph is Liverpool’s second Premier League title during the modern era, after their memorable 2019-20 campaign, and moves the Merseyside giants level with Manchester United for the most English top-flight titles.
It also marks the 52nd major men's honour in the club’s illustrious history, with eight trophies secured in the last six years alone.
The Premier League trophy will be officially presented to Liverpool when they host Crystal Palace at Anfield on Sunday, May 25, in what promises to be a grand celebration.
Meanwhile, Arne Slot, whose appointment at the start of the season had raised eyebrows across English football, proved his critics wrong by guiding Liverpool to another league triumph.
Reflecting on the achievement, Slot paid tribute to his predecessor, Jurgen Klopp, for laying the foundation for success.
“It feels great. I don’t want to say much, except to express my appreciation to Jurgen Klopp. The way we arrived today on the bus, everyone was convinced we wouldn’t lose. Even after conceding first, the team showed their fighting spirit,” Slot said.
"Incredibly proud, not only of the players but of everyone involved. Everyone knows the effort that has gone into these past years. Let’s not focus on it being the second title in 35 years — it’s the second in five years now," he added, as Anfield erupted in celebration.