Konate reveals moment he nearly cried as he sat in empty Anfield after title win

Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate describes feeling of winning Premier League title following celebrations at Anfield yesterday with fans in stadium

Ibrahima Konate sat in the Main Stand at Anfield when the mayhem had ended and looked out on an empty stadium as he fought back tears of joy. The only noise around came from the celebrations which were continuing outside as the Liverpool defender enjoyed the peace after the pandemonium.

The France centre-back sat with his feet up as he pondered what he had just achieved with the Reds by winning the Premier League title after deciding to head out and soak it all in.

“After the game I walked into the stadium and just sat in the stand to feel like a fan and I don't have words to describe what I felt,” he said. “I said to my brother, 'I want to see how it is to sit in the stand if I watch a game' and I tried to act like a fan but the stadium was empty and I just wanted to enjoy the moment on my own.

“We won it with 60,00 fans and us on the pitch. I just wanted to feel something different and I am very happy now. I was close to crying. It's crazy, unbelievable, and we have to really enjoy it now.”

Liverpool enjoyed it last night and they’ll continue to enjoy it for weeks to come. The players partied at Anfield until the early hours while across the city the celebrations went on through the night.

Fans were still lighting flares and singing songs towards midnight outside the stadium, hours after they had witness their team thrash Tottenham to secure their 20th league title. Back in 2020, Covid-19 restrictions didn’t stop thousands flocking to Anfield to celebrate but they still had to be controlled.

Many will have lost all control yesterday no doubt. It will only be the start of the celebrations, too. On May 25, they will get their hands on the trophy after their home clash with Crystal Palace. Liverpool fans didn’t get to see the silverware in person when they won it in 2020 as the presentation was a TV spectacle with no supporters.

Then there will be a parade the day after through the city. Jurgen Klopp is in town that weekend but there’s no confirmation if he will be at the game or parade.

“To be fair I don't realise yet but we have to enjoy it,” continued Konate, who joined Liverpool in 2021. “I think the last day of the season will be more special as we will lift the trophy. But it’s amazing after four seasons I did it, finally, and I'm very happy.

“The first thing is, we are in the best league in the world and we know how hard it is to win the Premier League every season. Since I was young I watched this league every week, every game, and now to win it is crazy. I'm the first French player from Liverpool to lift it. Unbelievable.”

Konate and Co now join a list of Liverpool legends to win the most coveted prize in English football. He added: “It's the most important for a player because when you retire it's the only thing you really remember, you still have it between your hands.

“Especially to win the Premier League – what a trophy. For some people in the world to win the Premier League is better than winning the Champions League.

“We did unbelievably and we just have to be proud. Do what we can do. We don't look at other teams, we just have to write our story, That's it."

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