Virgil van Dijk has revealed he asked Alan Hansen to be part of Liverpool’s Premier League title ceremony.
Hansen presented the trophy to Van Dijk in a moment which linked the club’s most two recent captains to lift championships with their supporters present.
The pair later lifted the trophy in front of The Kop to provide a touching moment, 12 months since the 69-year-old was hospitalised by serious illness.
And Van Dijk admits he was personally keen to involve Hansen in marking the Reds’ latest triumph following Sunday’s final game against Crystal Palace
He said: “I was very determined to make sure that he was going to be the one who handed the trophy to me.
“I’m happy it worked out. I’m also happy that Mark and Jo from the Owen McVeigh Foundation, who I’ve worked with quite a lot over the last years, were able to also join in.
“I think he (Hansen) is one of the greatest centre backs this club has ever seen. I’d met him before and had a little chat.
“Obviously he was ill last year and I’m glad he’s looking well now. I was really happy for him that he also had his moment in front of The Kop because he totally deserved it.
“I spoke to him when a picture of us came out years ago. After the trophy lift and we took some pictures, I wanted him to be there.
“Apparently he had already gone upstairs so they got him back. I was glad I got him on the pitch. He deserved that moment.”
Arne Slot’s side are already strengthening for next season’s title defence with Jeremie Frimpong lined up to become Trent Alexander-Arnold’s replacement.
Tentative discussions have also taken place over a potential deal for Bayer Leverkusen playmaker Florian Wirtz ahead of the transfer window reopening.
And Van Dijk believes that Liverpool will be well placed to try and emulate Manchester City in retaining their crown once the celebrations finally end.
“I think it’s the hardest thing to do to retain the title but we will see,” added Van Dijk.
“We have the quality and I think the club is doing a lot of work behind the scenes to strengthen the squad as well.
“We’ll have a good pre-season ahead of us. But first we will celebrate. Then internationals, then I’ll completely switch off on holidays.
“Off season, pre-season, Community Shield and then back on it.”