Programme notesVirgil van Dijk: Let's give Mo and Robbo the send-off they deserve

The pair will close the book on their iconic nine-season careers with the Reds this afternoon, at the end of the final game of the 2025-26 Premier League campaign.

Brentford are the opposition for it and arrive at Anfield for the 4pm BST kick-off with a few familiar faces in their ranks.

In his column in the matchday programme, Van Dijk writes: "Of course today is an emotional one, as we say goodbye to two true Liverpool FC legends in Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah. I don't use that word lightly, either.

"In my opinion, these guys are once-in-a-lifetime players, players who changed the game in terms of their position on the field, and players who have shown incredible consistency to perform at the highest level for years.

"It has been a pleasure to play alongside and share a dressing room with them both. The memories we have made together will last forever.

"I know that you guys will join me in wishing them both all the very best for the future, and let's give them the send-off they deserve today.

"I also want to mention two special visitors from today's opponents Brentford. We welcome back our former captain, our Premier League-winning captain, Jordan Henderson, and also Caoimhin Kelleher, a big part of the club for many years, and an important part of our title win last season.

"I know you will join me in giving them a wonderful reception and in saying thank you for the fantastic service they gave to the club."

• Pick up your copy of the programme at Anfield this afternoon or on our online store

Liverpool head into the encounter with the Bees knowing a draw would confirm a top-five finish and qualification for next season's Champions League.

"I have said many times previously what a privilege it is to captain this club, but what that also means is that you really feel it when things do not go as well as we all wanted them to," Van Dijk continues.

"It hurts, I can promise you that. It hurts as a captain, it hurts as a competitor and it hurts as a human being.

"You feel responsible, you take things personally and you want to do everything you can to put things right. I hope that everyone can see that.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank a lot of people, people whose work and support behind the scenes is vital to the club.

"To all of the staff at AXA, all of the staff and the volunteers at Anfield on a matchday and beyond, all of those on the commercial and the retail side, at the LFC Foundation and everywhere else within the club, I say thank you.

"Your work is both valued and appreciated, and I hope you are as proud as I am to be a part of this amazing football club.

"Last but by no means least, I want to thank you guys, our incredible and loyal supporters.

"I always say that you are the heartbeat of our football club, and I want you all to know that your support is both appreciated and felt, always.

"We feel it at Anfield, for sure, we feel it when we travel up and down the country, packing out away ends, and we feel it across Europe and around the world.

"And of all the frustrations and the disappointments that we have felt this season, the biggest is that on too many occasions we have been unable to make you guys happy, unable to pay you back for the time, the effort, the passion and the love that you give us.

"Believe me when I say that we all want the same thing, and that is for this club to be successful. It may not feel like it at the moment, given how the season has gone, but I truly believe that good times are not far away.

"Liverpool is a club that has experienced tough moments, tough seasons before, but one thing it has always done is stick together, find a way through and come back stronger.

"After a season like this one, that is exactly what we need to do once more, and I know that with you guys behind us, we will do just that.

"Thank you for your incredible support."