Steven Gerrard sent out an emotional message to Liverpool fans after the Reds scooped an elusive league title after 30 long years.

Gerrard — who suffered heartbreak in 2014 after slipping against Chelsea — urged his beloved club to “let the party begin”.

He wrote on Instagram: “Congratulations to all @liverpoolfc on winning the premier league. Incredible achievement from a fantastic squad of top players… Led by a world class manager and coaching team. And lastly and most importantly the fans who have waited 30 years… Let the party begin.”

Former manager Kenny Dalglish, who was in charge of the club when they last won the title in 1990, said he did not expect the wait for another to be so long.

“If you would have said that, you would have been arrested and sectioned,” Dalglish told BT Sport after Manchester City’s 1-2 defeat by Chelsea on Thursday.

“Sometimes things happen, but certainly the last two years and since Juergen (Klopp) has come in it’s been very positive. He’s been fantastic and epitomises everything Liverpool stand for, he appreciates and respects everyone that works at the club.

“Whatever he gets he deserves. It’s not a one-off because last year they came within a point of it, this year they’ve only lost one, drawn two. They won a club world championship, they won the Champions League last year as well.

“Onward and upwards and I think we’ve got a lot more happy days to come as long as Juergen’s there.”

Defender Virgil van Dijk said Klopp’s side had taken the Premier League to a different level.

“It’s incredible to be part of this group of players,” Dutchman Van Dijk said.

“Last season we won the Champions League and this year, especially in the Premier League, we have taken it to a different level. We have been so consistent and doing so well.

“It’s a fantastic feeling. From the moment I’ve joined it’s one team, everyone is part of it, from the people that work at Melwood (training ground), in the stadium and the players of course.

“We all want the same thing. Outside the pitch we have a bond which is outstanding as well.”

The team’s talisman Mohamed Salah thanked the fans. “Yes. It feels THAT good. I want to thank all our supporters watching us from all corners of the world. You made this possible for us and I hope we can keep bringing you the joy you deserve. Now they’re gonna believe us,” he tweeted.

Liverpool have won 28 of their 31 Premier League games and could break City’s record of 100 points, set two seasons ago when they finished 25 points ahead of Liverpool.