It has been March 9 since we last saw any action in the Premier League, but it was handed a provisional restart date amid the coronavirus outbreak this week.
Pending government approval, the league will resume on June 17 (100 days later) with a double-header of matches (Aston Villa vs. Sheffield United and Manchester City vs. Arsenal) that would take all teams in the division to 29 games played.
With light glimmering at the end of the tunnel, the announcement led to plenty of reaction on social media from players, clubs and fans -- all of whom have been deprived of any meaningful football during lockdown.
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The Man City forward was among the first to voice his approval, posting a "rock and roll" emoji on Instagram along with the proposed restart date.
June 17th π€πΎ pic.twitter.com/wtkmxzN0b4
β Raheem Sterling (@sterling7) May 28, 2020
2. Harry Kane
Tottenham striker Kane was similarly enthusiastic, posting a photo of himself punching the air.
Football is back soon πͺ pic.twitter.com/LlDfU7lWaX
β Harry Kane (@HKane) May 28, 2020
With his side 25 points clear at the top of the table before the league was put on hold, Liverpool midfielder Wijnaldum was understandably keen to get things back on track.
WE. GO. AGAIN. ππΎ We'll miss having you with us at the stadiums, but we'll do everything we can to make you proud β€οΈππΎ #PremierLeague #YNWA #Liverpoolfc pic.twitter.com/mBIlbnxEvD
β Gini Wijnaldum (@GWijnaldum) May 28, 2020
Villa star Grealish was unable to put into words his relief at the Premier League resuming, instead opting for a flurry of thankful emojis.
ππππ»ππ» https://t.co/bZ89lR6SrH
β Jack Grealish (@JackGrealish) May 28, 2020
5. David Luiz
While he's definitely been having fun on social media since lockdown began, Arsenal defender Luiz still greeted the joyous news by thanking a higher power.
"God is wonderful! Joy, joy! #grateful" he wrote on Instagram.
6. Dele Alli
Having caught wind of the news, Alli decided to pass it onto his followers via his social media channels.
"Did someone say 17th June restart?" the Tottenham man quipped.
7. Patrick van Aanholt
The Palace full-back made sure to make a note in his diary.
June 17th ππ pic.twitter.com/hvF1ag03zi
β Patrick van Aanholt (@pvanaanholt) May 28, 2020
8. Sheffield United
One of the teams set to be involved on re-opening day, the Blades emitted a defiant statement of intent.
We. Are. Back. π₯ pic.twitter.com/10PPJuaSjn
β Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) May 28, 2020
Wolves summed up their feelings on the matter with a short video of club captain Conor Coady exclaiming what a "beautiful day" it was.
June 17th.
β Wolves (@Wolves) May 28, 2020
π π pic.twitter.com/samlUeaqmE
10. Southampton
The Saints kept things light with a little meme-based celebration of their very own.
OH HEY, @premierleague! π https://t.co/bCdu3VUeT7 pic.twitter.com/VyYTOgMrVY
β Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) May 28, 2020
11. Jamie Carragher
Meanwhile, as is usually the way of it, former Liverpool defender and now Sky pundit Carragher couldn't resist the opportunity to rib his old sparring partner, Gary Neville.
June 17th β½οΈ is back. pic.twitter.com/RfwkfgEN9Q
β Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) May 28, 2020