Latest news with #AlanHansen
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Liverpool trophy lift was everything I dreamt of - but most exciting moment could come soon
It has been another emotional week for Liverpool. The trophy lift on Sunday and the parade on Monday were incredible moments for the football club, before the city was stunned by events that followed on Water Street afterwards. Advertisement The scenes at Anfield and across the city streets were special for Liverpool supporters, who finally got to see their team lift the Premier League title in person. In this week's fan jury, our writers look back at some of the key moments in a glorious campaign and what it felt like to experience the trophy lift in person at Anfield. READ MORE: Darwin Nunez sends four-word Liverpool message as transfer uncertainty continues READ MORE: Florian Wirtz has made the right decision choosing Liverpool - Supporters will fall in love James Noble Within a weekend in which Liverpool's strength of spirit again came to the fore, Sunday fulfilled dreams. Virgil van Dijk lifting the Premier League trophy at a full Anfield was a moment 35 years in the making. Advertisement Alan Hansen fittingly presenting the trophy, and the presence of so many other legendary figures, reinforced the day's eternal nature. Preceded by that classy double guard of honour, the draw with Crystal Palace neatly reflected key components of the Reds' campaign, too. I'll almost always start a season believing that Liverpool can win the league, but I can't say I expected 2024/25 to produce a title. Third place felt a reasonable expectation. Arne Slot soon had optimism on the up as he took the reins from Jürgen Klopp with assurance and positivity. Evolution offered continuity and freshness, with Ryan Gravenberch a serene revelation in his new No.6 role. Liverpool moved with efficient consistency as Arsenal and Manchester City stumbled. Advertisement The statement Old Trafford triumph. The strong response to the Nottingham Forest defeat. The comeback win against Brighton. Darwin Nunez's late double at Brentford. The five league games, and 11 points, in 15 February days. So many crucial foundations for the subsequently blissful spring days. That Tottenham game, that final whistle – spine-tingling. A season dreamed of for so long. The most exciting part may yet be what it leads to. Rhys Buchanan It's been a beautiful yet strange last month or so with all of the peril removed from our collective shoulders. Following the explosive celebrations at Spurs in April, the party has rolled up and down the country, culminating in the joyous scenes we saw inside the ground and around the city across the weekend. Advertisement All of our expectations for this campaign were always tempered and realistic in the wake of Klopp's departure, though I think even early on in the season, Slot's clinical and calm presence did shift them slightly. The manager made a lot of tough decisions early on and constantly tweaked the formula to win us games. He certainly laid down some early statements as well, even his discontent with the Forest defeat showed just how high his expectations for this team were. I also think the leaders within our squad Virgil, Salah and even the likes of Robertson can take credit for just how smooth this transition has been. I could barely see the trophy lift through the flames, red smoke and confetti from my seat in the lower Anfield Road on Sunday, but it was absolutely everything I'd dreamt of for a lifetime and more.
The Sun
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Gary Lineker reveals Match of the Day blunder he made in last-ever appearance for first time in 26 years
GARY LINEKER revealed the blunder he made for the very first time - in his last-ever Match of the Day show. Lineker, 64, bowed out from the programme on Sunday night at the end of the Premier League season. 4 4 He had planned to stay on presenting FA Cup matches and front the World Cup coverage next summer. But the legendary broadcaster walked away from the BBC for good following an anti-semitism row and fall-out with Beeb bosses. And Lineker admitted he made a glaring error as he closed his final show - and one he had never done before. Towards the end of the show, there was an emotional montage of friends, colleagues and team-mates paying tribute to the departing host. The likes of Alan Hansen, Paul Gascoigne, Ian Wright and Lineker's three sons all contributed then after a special message from Andrea Bocelli, Lineker had welled up and was understandably finding it difficult to keep it all together. So much so that when he went to talk through the final Premier League table, he fluffed his lines. Lineker could be heard scrambling around trying to find the piece of paper with the script to talk through the table - but with no joy. And that meant he had to make it up as he went along - and did so with his brilliant charm and ease. Choking back tears on the live TV show, Lineker said: "I don't know if I can speak. I'll try. "For one last time, here's the Premier League table." Then came a pause as he rustled through the papers, before continuing: "And I can't find the copy. "So I tell you what, you can just read it for yourselves because it doesn't matter. "Liverpool won the league as you can see, the teams that qualified for the Champions League are Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea and Newcastle. "Villa and Forest will also play European football next season. "Let's have a look at the bottom of the table - it's the first time I've ever ad-libbed this. "Ermm, the bottom three are going down as they do tend to do at the end of the season. "One of those teams is, of course, Leicester which is not really how I wanted to finish." Lineker's mishap prompted sniggering laughter from pundits Alan Shearer and Micah Richards. 'I WAS STRUGGLING' And when the trio reconvened for their The Rest Is Football podcast, the ex-Leicester striker addressed the gaffe. Lineker explained: "When they played the montage, I was struggling, especially when I saw my boys. "Thankfully, that wasn't the last clip because I'd gone at that point and needed time to get myself together to try and get through the end of the show. "It's weird, isn't it? I presented it for 26 years and I always finish with the Premier League table and then a closing line. "But for the first time ever, because of everything that was going on, I completely lost what we call the copy, the written form of what I read out over the tables. "That's written by the subs and it needs to be accurate - you can't make any mistakes. "For the first time in 26 years, I couldn't find it and it wasn't there, so I just bust which was a bit different." Lineker was gifted with a couple of presents by Shearer and Richards before making a thank-you speech to end his final appearance on the show, which was closed by Bocelli performing and a series of the season's highlights. Somewhat ironically, the final game of Lineker's long stint was his beloved Leicester losing with their relegation already confirmed - nine years after he opened Match of the Day in his underpants following their 5,000-1 title win. 4 4
Daily Mail
26-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Liverpool fans rejoice at Alan Hansen 'looking so well' after recent health scare - as legendary Reds defender presents Premier League trophy to Virgil van Dijk at Anfield
A happy and healthy Alan Hansen grabbed the headlines on Sunday as Liverpool were presented with the Premier League trophy at Anfield. The legendary Reds defender, who won eight top-flight titles on Merseyside, was hospitalised for two weeks in June as he was seriously ill, before being discharged to continue his recovery at home. There was an outpouring of love in the summer when people heard about his ill health and plenty of relief when he was discharged. Almost a year on, the 69-year-old had the honour of handing Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk the Premier League trophy and remained on the pitch as the Reds celebrated their record-equalling crown. Liverpool fans reacted to the sight of the jubilant Hansen alongside Van Dijk with joy, with many expressing their delight at his improved condition. 'Great to see Alan Hansen looking so happy. Easily the best defender of my lifetime,' one user on X wrote. Another said: 'Brilliant to see Alan Hansen looking so well - true club legend.' A third wrote: 'Amazing to see the legend that is Alan Hansen presenting the trophy especially after his illness and what a humble way for another future legend in [Van Dijk] to lift it together in front of the Kop. YNWA.' 'That's great to see Alan Hansen looking so well,' said another Reds supporter, while a particularly relieved fan remarked: 'Got to say it's good to see Alan Hansen looking so well.' In addition to eight top-flight titles, Hansen also won three European Cups, two FA Cups and three League Cups in 620 appearances for the Reds across a glittering stint from 1977 to 1991. Last June Hansen was hospitalised as he was 'seriously' ill and he remained there for two weeks before being discharged to continue his recovery at home. In March he accepted his MBE from Prince William. The Scot received an outpouring of love when people heard of his situation last summer. Gary Lineker was among those who reacted with delight to hearing he had been discharged, describing it as 'the best news ever'. After his playing career, Hansen made a smooth transition to punditry. He rejected the offer of going into management before pursuing a career in broadcasting, where he would take up positions with Sky and BBC Radio 5 Live. He subsequently joined up with BBC Match of the Day as a co-host in 1992 before leaving the show in 2014 having covered 16 FA Cup finals, six World Cups, five European Championships and one Olympic Games with the BBC. During this time, Hansen became known for his sharp analytical mind and his criticism of defenders, having played the position himself. He stepped away from punditry after the 2014 World Cup, but has remained involved in the game by regularly attending matches at Anfield in recent years to watch his beloved Liverpool. In October, the 69-year-old made an emotional return to Partick Thistle where he launched his illustrious career. In March, Hansen was formerly made a Member of the Order of the British Empire for services to football and broadcasting at an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle.
New York Times
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Virgil van Dijk says it was his idea to have Alan Hansen present Liverpool's Premier League trophy
Virgil van Dijk believes it was fitting that Anfield legend Alan Hansen presented him with the Premier League trophy as he reflected on joining an elite group of Liverpool captains. It was the Dutch defender's idea to involve Hansen in Sunday's ceremony. The former Scotland centre-back was the last club skipper to lift the league championship in front of supporters in 1990. Advertisement 'I was very determined to make sure that he was going to be the one who handed the trophy to me,' Van Dijk said. 'I suggested it and I am happy it worked out. I am 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 bring the trophy out. 'Alan Hansen is one of the greatest centre-backs this club has ever seen. I'd met him before and had a little chat. He was ill last year. I'm glad he's looking well now. '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 in front of the Kop.' Van Dijk is the first Dutchman to captain a Premier League-winning team and just the 11th player to skipper Liverpool to a top-flight title. He follows in the footsteps of Jordan Henderson, Hansen, Graeme Souness, Phil Thompson, Emlyn Hughes, Tommy Smith, Ron Yeats, Willie Fagan, Donald MacKinlay, and Alex Raisbeck. Van Dijk also paid tribute to Mohamed Salah after the Egyptian attacker was presented with the Premier League Golden Boot and Playmaker awards, having contributed 29 league goals and 18 assists. 'Ridiculous numbers,' he added. 'He's a fantastic player. I am really happy that me and Mo signed for another two years. We feel like we can still bring so much to the team. Mo had an amazing season. He gets the applause he deserves. If he wins the Ballon d'Or then I think no-one could argue. Maybe we have to go to Paris together!' The Liverpool captain was also delighted with the send-off Trent Alexander-Arnold received from supporters as he made his final appearance for the club in Sunday's 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace. 'I won't say it's a sad situation, but it's not a great situation for anyone,' Van Dijk said. 'We all wanted Trent to stay. He's outstanding. You saw again the quality he brings to the team. There is no debate. We're all gutted he's leaving. But he made that decision with his family that unfortunately his time at Liverpool has ended and we all have to deal with it. We will deal with it. Advertisement 'Today everyone understood the message that it was all about celebrating. I'm glad he got the farewell he deserved for everything he's done on the pitch.' Van Dijk intends to keep celebrating until 'probably Thursday' before his focus shifts to linking up with the Netherlands squad next Tuesday for World Cup qualifiers against Finland and Malta. The memories of winning Liverpool's 20th top-flight title will act as 'fuel' come August when Arne Slot's side will attempt to defend their crown. 'Not being able to celebrate properly in 2020 (due to the pandemic) makes this even sweeter for the fans,' he added. 'We all have to celebrate special moments and this is definitely one of them. Winning the Premier League is not a given. We have to take some time to digest this. These things don't happen often. 'This has to give you motivation, give you fuel, give you that hunger to try to do it again. Man City did it many times in a row. 'I think it's the hardest thing to do to retain the title but we will see. 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.' (Photos:/Getty Images For The Premier League)
New York Times
25-05-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Liverpool's perfect Anfield day, 35 years in the making
The precious prize was handed from one legendary Liverpool captain and centre-back to another. Accepting the spoils from Alan Hansen, Virgil van Dijk planted a kiss on the Premier League trophy, strolled in front of his jubilant team-mates and thrust it towards the heavens. Fireworks and red ticker tape filled the early evening air as a roar swept around Anfield. Advertisement It had been 35 years and 24 days since former Scotland international Hansen became the last Liverpool skipper to lift the league championship in front of supporters. That claim to fame now belongs to their inspirational Dutch talisman, whose classy idea it was to involve Hansen in Sunday's presentation ceremony. This had been the moment everyone connected with the club had waited for since their record-equalling 20th top-flight title was wrapped up against Tottenham Hotspur a month ago and it lived up to its billing. 'It felt amazing,' Van Dijk said as he addressed the crowd. 'You guys deserve it. We deserve it as well. We love you guys. I'm so proud of the boys. Let's enjoy the biggest party ever.' Five years ago, Liverpool's title triumph under Jurgen Klopp was bittersweet as the global pandemic meant they were denied all the trappings that should have come with ending a 30-year drought in such emphatic style. This time there is no holding back and Monday's parade around the streets of the city promises to create more unforgettable memories. On his first trip back to Anfield since stepping down a year ago, a beaming Klopp stood applauding in the directors' box as the man who replaced him proudly led the squad out for the trophy lift. Arne Slot's name boomed around the stadium. What an incredible job he has done. So much for that tricky transition after losing an icon. All expectations have been exceeded. The 10-point gap to second-placed Arsenal does not really do justice to the scale of Liverpool's dominance this season. They hit the front in November and never looked like being caught. A return of just two points out of the past 12 on offer once the title had been won means the final table flatters those beneath them. Chairman Tom Werner, who had flown in from the United States for the occasion along with fellow owners John W Henry and Mike Gordon, told reporters: 'A very emotional day. It's been a magical season. 'Arne deserves so much credit. He's an extraordinary coach. He inherited a good team and got the best out of them. He's authentic. He never tries to be somebody else.' Advertisement Fenway Sports Group CEO Michael Edwards and sporting director Richard Hughes remained in the directors' box rather than coming down onto the field in the thick of the wild celebrations, but their contribution to getting a new era at Anfield off to such a flying start should not be overlooked. Key appointments were nailed in the wake of Klopp's decision to leave. The right environment was created. It was the perfect finale with no unwanted distractions or sideshows. Concerns that all the noise surrounding Trent Alexander-Arnold's impending move to Real Madrid might dent the party spirit proved misplaced. Common sense prevailed, with no repeat of the booing that accompanied his every touch against Arsenal a fortnight earlier. Trent Alexander-Arnold comes on for his final game for Liverpool 🔴 — Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 25, 2025 Klopp had told guests at an LFC Foundation dinner in the city on Friday night that he was so disappointed with how the vice-captain was treated that he turned his TV off in disgust. 'I don't tell you you should not be angry or you should not be disappointed, I tell you don't forget,' Klopp said. 'This isn't us. He gave absolutely everything.' Slot had banged the same drum in his programme notes as he wrote about 'a day for unity and celebration', adding: 'Nothing can be allowed to get in the way. Whatever might divide us can wait for another day. Whatever could distract us can be put to one side.' The message got through loud and clear. There were renditions of the Steven Gerrard song after Alexander-Arnold replaced Conor Bradley at the start of the second half — a nod to the kind of legacy he has relinquished by opting to move on. But for the most part there was an outpouring of respect and thanks for the 20 years of service he has given Liverpool as cheers replaced jeers. This was exactly the send-off Alexander-Arnold deserved and you could see what it meant to him as he was reduced to tears. Advertisement 'I didn't know what to expect stepping out at Anfield after what happened a few weeks ago,' he told Sky Sports. 'I wanted to play for the club one more time and Arne trusted me to play. To get the reception I got means more than anything. I've played hundreds of games for the club but I've never felt so loved and cared for as today. 'Hand on my heart I hope one day the fans will be able to recognise the hard work and everything I have done for the team. It's been an honour and privilege to be part of. I'll remember this day. It goes down as the best day of my life.' Mohamed Salah, who will be back hungry for more come August, left laden with silverware after being presented with both the Premier League Golden Boot and Playmaker awards in recognition of his remarkable tally of 29 league goals and 18 assists. The Egyptian attacker's finish from Cody Gakpo's nod down six minutes from time ensured Liverpool avoided defeat in their final game of the campaign — despite having Ryan Gravenberch sent off for a professional foul on Daichi Kamada midway through the second half. Crystal Palace had been good value for a first-half lead given to them by Ismaila Sarr. Not content with having already broken the record for goal involvements in a 38-game Premier League season, Salah also equalled the record of 47 jointly held by Alan Shearer and Andrew Cole over a 42-game season. This was the first campaign in his Liverpool career in which he has started every league game. The mood was joyous throughout with a mosaic covering the Sir Kenny Dalglish Stand and the Kop reading 'Campione 20'. A giant banner covering almost the entire width of the Kop displayed the message: 'A team that plays the Liverpool Way and wins the championship in May.' It was a touch of class that having received a guard of honour before kick-off, Slot's side then returned the compliment for the FA Cup winners. Advertisement The deafening chant of 'champions, champions' was never-ending as an array of red balloons floated across the playing surface. As well as Klopp, the guest list included legendary Anfield figures Dalglish, Rafa Benitez, Gerrard and Jordan Henderson. The action on the field felt inconsequential in comparison to the noise and fervour emanating from the stands. This was an occasion to savour and summer transfer plans are already in full swing to give Liverpool the best possible chance of building on this triumph. There will be no standing still, with a £30million ($41m) deal for Jeremie Frimpong already in place and the club in negotiations to sign his Bayer Leverkusen team-mate Florian Wirtz for what would be a club-record fee. 'We'll go again. We owe it to all our supporters,' Werner added.
