Virgil van Dijk lifts lid on why he signed new Liverpool contract

Virgil van Dijk has expressed his deep affection for Liverpool Football Club after committing his future to the Reds.

The Dutch defender’s decision to sign a new contract ensures the continuation of his legendary career at Anfield, which began in January 2018.

Since joining Liverpool, Van Dijk has achieved immense success, securing seven major honours, making over 300 appearances, captaining the side, and establishing himself as one of the world’s premier defenders.

However, it is the connection he has forged with the club’s supporters and the city that he holds most dear.

The Dutch defender’s decision to sign a new contract ensures the continuation of his legendary career at Anfield, which began in January 2018

Speaking exclusively to Liverpoolfc.com, Van Dijk said: “It always felt right. I said it from the first day on that it felt right and I think it showed in the years we have spent together up until now. And obviously more years to come.

“It is the place for me to be, to spend my best years, be successful with the club as we have been over the years and hopefully the future as well.

“And I love the city, I love the club, I love the fans. I love my teammates. I love everything that embodies Liverpool, and on to many more.”

To date, Van Dijk has made 314 appearances and scored 27 goals for Liverpool.

He added: “It is an emotional day, not only for myself but for my family as well. My kids are also almost like Scousers, they don’t know anything else than Liverpool, especially my two youngest.

“You live your life away from obviously where I’m from in Holland and you are living a very good life, a blessed life, but we live also that good life because of the people of Liverpool, the club, the fans. So it’s a togetherness that I really, really appreciate.

“It helps me and also is what embodies me as well, that I really love how the club is in general, what it stands for and these principles and values are really important to me and my family as well.”