Xabi Alonso left Liverpool fans after the Spaniard was spotted touching the 'This is Anfield' sign on his way out onto the pitch for Bayer Leverkusen's Champions League tie.
The Spaniard spent five seasons at Liverpool between 2004 and 2009 where he established himself as one of the best midfielders in the world.
He played a pivotal role in Liverpool's historic Champions League triumph in Istanbul in 2005 and maintained a strong bond with the club and its supporters even after his departure.
After taking his first step into management in 2019, Alonso was strongly being linked as a future Liverpool manager.
Xabi Alonso was given a rousing reception
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His achievements at Bayer Leverkusen last season further enhanced Alonso's reputation as one of the most exciting managers in world football with Liverpool looking for Jurgen Klopp's successor.
Alonso opted to stay at Leverkusen while Liverpool went with Arne Slot, a decision which has seemingly paid off on Merseyside so far.
But all eyes were on the 42-year-old on Tuesday evening as he returned to Anfield 15 years after he left the club.
Speaking before the game, Alonso attempted to play down the positive welcome he would receive from the Liverpool fans.
However, his devotion to the club was clear to see as he walked down the tunnel onto the pitch for the start of the match.
Alonso was seen talking with a Liverpool member of staff before taking a moment and touching the 'This is Anfield' sign on his way out.
Touching the Anfield sign is usually a tradition served by current Liverpool players, but Alonso clearly felt obliged as he walked onto the pitch.
Alonso then greeted Slot on the touchline before being given a huge reception from the crowd behind Leverkusen's dugout.
Xabi Alonso touched the Anfield sign on his way out to the pitch
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His gesture didn't go unnoticed by Liverpool fans, who felt the former Spain international was more than deserving of touching the sign.
One post read: "It means even more! Xabi Alonso does not forget about the sign at Anfield."
Another posted: "Ahh, Xabi Alonso showing respect to the Anfield legacy! The Liverpool legend is still a Reds fan at heart."
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Xabi Alonso did it again in the second half
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A third wrote: "Has every right too he won the European Cup."
One other tearful fan simply said: "Legend."
Many more responded on social media with crying and love heart emojis.
And Alonso touched the sign once again as his side came out for the second half with the game goalless.
