Virgil van Dijk: Liverpool are the perfect, perfect match for me
A delighted Virgil van Dijk described Liverpool as 'the perfect, perfect match for me' after he completed his transfer from Southampton on a long-term deal.
The defender’s switch to Anfield, which was agreed on December 27, has been finalised today, making him the latest player to join the Reds’ ranks.
Upon concluding the deal, Van Dijk told Liverpoolfc.com: “I am happy to be here and I can’t wait to get started.
“I think the most important thing is the size of the club, the culture of the club, the players, the manager and obviously the fans, who make the club this special.
“With the history at the club and everything around it – even the training ground and stuff – it is just a perfect, perfect match for me, and a perfect match for my family as well.”
Watch Van Dijk's first Reds interview on LFCTV GO
Van Dijk began his professional career in his native Netherlands with Groningen having left Willem II at the age of 18.
He moved to Britain in 2013, when he joined Celtic. He spent two seasons with the Scottish side before switching to Southampton in 2015.
Now, having taken the latest step in his career, Van Dijk is relishing the prospect of running out at Anfield as a Liverpool player having watched the Reds’ victory over Leicester City on Saturday from the directors’ box.
“I think it’ll be something special,” he said. “I think Anfield is a very special stadium and it is my home right now as well.
“I am just looking forward to being on the pitch, especially as a [home] player at the stadium. It’s going to be nice, especially the evening games and the European nights.”
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Van Dijk arrives at Liverpool determined to play a part in helping Jürgen Klopp’s side bring silverware back to Anfield.
And he’s confident that can be achieved over the course of his long-term contract.
Van Dijk stated: “I hope to win trophies. Every player wants to win trophies and with this squad we have and the progress the club is making, I think we are very close to it.
“Obviously we still need to do it and we will see what the future brings.”
Watch Virgil van Dijk’s first interview as a Liverpool player in full on LFCTV GO now.