ClubVirgil van Dijk backs LFC's Red Together campaign

The Reds’ No.4 talked openly about the benefits of diversity on and off the pitch, his desire to make the world a better place and his love of learning from and respecting different cultures every day.

In an interview with Liverpoolfc.com, he also discussed the importance of Red Together, which encompasses all of the club’s equality, diversity and inclusion work.

Van Dijk said: “It’s very important, especially in the society we live in at the moment, to fight for each right, and I’m very proud to be playing for a club like Liverpool that is doing that.

“It’s fantastic to learn different cultures and to see so many players from all over the world and get to know each other’s experiences, languages, what their values are. I think it is very good to be able to mix with each other, to respect each other and learn from each other.

“It’s good that Liverpool is so diverse and that everyone feels that they can be a part of this beautiful club.

“We have a platform, people look up to us, so to give the right example is a very good thing to do and we all feel responsible to do that.

“Personally, I just want the world to be a better place, and that everyone is nice to each other and lives their happy life because there is only one – let everyone be what they want to be.”

Watch Virgil’s Red Together chat with Liverpoolfc.com in full at the top of the page.

Saturday’s fixture will be dedicated to Red Together, with various activities taking place, including a centre-circle flag, LED advertising boards, a dedicated matchday programme cover and content. Representatives from some of the ED&I organisations that the club works alongside will also be in attendance.

Launched in 2020, Red Together strives to make Liverpool Football Club welcoming to all by working across a number of key focus areas to constantly push for positive change and progress.

Rishi Jain, senior manager of ED&I at Liverpool FC, said: “Red Together provides a recognisable platform for our fans to understand and support all of our work in this important area.

“We have recently refreshed our Red Together strategy to focus on four key priorities over the next five years, which will allow us to move the club forward and continue our commitment to fight against all forms of discrimination.

“I’m really proud of the diversity of our club, our players and supporters – it makes us better and it’s what makes being a part of Liverpool Football Club so special.

“It’s so important that we all do our part in the fight for equality in football and wider society and demonstrate our commitment to this in all that we do.”

For more info on Red Together, visit www.liverpoolfc.com/RedTogether.