Shortly before Jordan Henderson stepped onto the podium for the defining moment of his career, he was involved in a minor altercation with James Milner.

The formal handing over of the Champions League trophy was seconds away, and Henderson – the Liverpool captain – decided he did not want to accept it alone.

He approached Milner and manager Jurgen Klopp, urging them to share the honour.

“If anyone other than you lifts up that trophy they are getting f------ wrestled to the ground,” Milner replied.

Fifty-three days on from Madrid, Henderson sits in Four Seasons Hotel Boston eager to set the course towards the next podium, but wherever the next steps lead he will always be dragged back to that night; a triumph of collective leadership.

“I felt myself, Millie and the gaffer should have lifted it together,” said Henderson.

“I asked Millie and the gaffer because I felt as though Millie is a big part of the squad. I know I wear the armband when I play but he wore it a lot when I haven't been playing. He is a big part of the dressing room. Without him it would have been different - and the manager. What we did that night wouldn't have been possible without the manager. But he said no. I hadn't planned it