CAPTAIN Fantastic Steven Gerrard was still in dreamland yesterday after sleeping with the European Cup.

As 750,000 fans lined the streets to welcome Liverpool home, team-mates revealed the triumphant skipper couldn?t bear to be parted from the 3ft silver trophy.

So he placed it between the sheets of his bed and climbed in beside it ? his gold winner?s medal still dangling at his neck.

Gerrard, 24, confessed: ?I slept with the trophy in my room. I did not want to let it out of my sight. When someone took it away from me this morning, it felt as though somehow I had lost a part of me.?

Not even the fact that The Reds are not currently IN next season?s Champions League could dampen the party spirit as fans turned the streets of Liverpool into a sea of red.

Gerrard and manager Rafael Benitez held the trophy aloft as they walked down the steps from their jet at John Lennon airport.

Pubs did a roaring trade and many supporters had to park three miles away.

There were so many people that at one stage the bus?s journey was 90 minutes behind schedule.

Thousands gathered at Liverpool?s Anfield ground and climbed the Shankly gates for a better view. Others swamped St George?s Hall, chanting the club?s anthem You?ll Never Walk Alone.

As the crowds dispersed the players and their families had a private party at a city hotel.

Earlier the Queen congratulated Liverpool, saying in a message: ?It was a magnificent achievement.?

i saw my Baros busy with his fone in the welcome home parade... i didnt mean to bother him tho' LOL

it was a magnificent achievment.

SUGARPANTS........ who to sleep with you or the trophy ummmm hard choice but you win ...lol