Manager Juergen Klopp and his players flew home to Liverpool John Lennon Airport on Sunday before boarding an open-top bus emblazoned with the message, "Champions of Europe".

Holding aloft the European Cup, Liverpool's players were met by a sea of red.

Huge crowds of fans wearing the team's jersey and flying flags packed out roadsides, chanting and singing in the sunshine.

Liverpool beat Tottenham 2-0 in the all-English final in Madrid on Saturday.

A spokeswoman for Liverpool City Council estimated half a million fans turned out for the parade. Merseyside Police later put the number closer to 750,000.

People crammed the 13-kilometre route which took almost 4 hours to cover. Some held inflatable European Cups and let off smoke canisters.

Klopp sat at the back of the bus, occasionally giving the impression of a teacher on a school outing.

However he was far from the party pooper, often jumping out of his seat to give a thumbs-up, a wave or a hearty laugh.

"I don't know exactly how many people live in Liverpool but it does not look like there is a lot of space for fans of other clubs," Klopp told LFC TV.

"It is incredible. If you are a young kid, which do you support?

"There are not a lot of opportunities or options other than Liverpool. You see in the eyes how much it means. It is really intense."

Australian Associated Press