14 May 2023 , 08:35
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Liverpool fans could not believe their eyes when cult hero Ragnar Klavan appeared on screen during the Eurovision Song Contest.
Klavan, who played for the Reds between 2016 and 2018, called Liverpool an "amazing city" while announcing Estonia's votes during Saturday night's final. Eurovision was held in the United Kingdom due to Russia's ongoing invasion of last year's winners Ukraine.
Sweden's Loreen, the bookies' favourite, won after performing "Tattoo", while Brit hopeful Mae Muller finished second bottom with "I Wrote a Song". Kaarija of Finland, Noa Kirel of Israel and Marco Mengoni of Italy finished second, third and fourth respectively.
Former Liverpool defender Klavan was given the responsibility for announcing Estonia's votes, perhaps due to his connection with Liverpool. He said: "Hello amazing city of Liverpool! It's Tallinn calling. Wow, what a show. What a boss night."
The phrase "boss" is commonly used in Liverpool to describe something as good. Klavan then made another reference to the city by mentioning Liverpool's anthem. He added: "All the Estonians are sending their strength to people of Ukraine. You'll never walk alone."
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That led to a huge cheer from the crowd. A group of Eurovision legends also performed 'You'll Never Walk Alone' in a show of support to Ukraine. "You don't see that every day," said host Graham Norton afterwards. "I've got a tear in my silly old eye."
Graham Norton co-hosted this year's contest (Getty Images)Did you spot Ragnar Klavan at Eurovision? Let us know in the comments below!
Ukraine won last year's Eurovision, which took place within three months of Russia's widescale invasion of the country. It is tradition for the reigning champions to host the competition the following year, but that was not possible due to the conflict.
As the UK's Sam Ryder came second last year with his performance of 'Space Man', the Liverpool Arena was picked as an alternative venue for Eurovision.
Despite being a rugged defender, Klavan does not shy away from showbiz. He appeared on Dancing with the Stars, Estonia's equivalent to Strictly Come Dancing, last year. Liverpool fans will be disappointed to discover Klavan didn't win the reality TV show.
As for Eurovision, Loreen's triumph means she is just the second performer to win the competition twice after Ireland's Johnny Logan (victorious in 1980 and 1987). Loreen, who also won in 2012, said afterwards: "This is so overwhelming. I'm so grateful. I'm so thankful. In my wildest dreams, I didn't think this would happen."
Mae Muller, meanwhile, was left to tweet: "I just want to say thank you. I know I joke a lot, but we really put our all into the last few months. Not the result we hoped for, but so proud of everyone and what we achieved on this journey. Congrats to all the countries, I'll never forget this journey and I love you all."
TV and radio presenter Rylan Clark replied: "We love you so much and we couldn't be prouder of you."