Programme notesVirgil van Dijk: Champions League nights at Anfield a privilege we have missed

The Reds marked their return to Europe’s elite club competition with an impressive 3-1 win over AC Milan at San Siro a fortnight ago and they now meet another Serie A club in their first home game of the league phase.

In his notes for the official matchday programme, captain Van Dijk writes: “As Liverpool players we are afforded many privileges, and playing at Anfield on a UEFA Champions League night is right near the top of that list.

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“We missed this competition last season, for sure. The Europa League was good for us, and of course we were disappointed that we didn’t go all the way, but there is just something special about the Champions League.

“It is the competition that everyone wants to be playing in and, of course, you don’t need me to tell you about this club’s incredible history in it.

“Some of the best memories of my career were made on nights such as these, but that only makes me hungrier to create even more. We say every season that we want to attack every competition, and that is especially true when it comes to the Champions League.

“We made a good start to our European campaign over in Milan a fortnight ago. The way we bounced back from a difficult start to that game was very pleasing and gives us a good platform to build upon going forward.”