Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool recently made history by completing a world record £75million move for Southampton’s Virgil van Dijk and speaking exclusively to the Reds’ official website for the very first time, the Netherlands international said that the Reds are a “perfect match” for him and his family.
Liverpool, on December 27, confirmed that they have reached an agreement with Southampton for the transfer of Virgil van Dijk and paying £75million for the centre-half means they made the Netherlands international the most expensive defender of all time. Van Dijk’s move to Anfield was officially completed on 1st of January and the 26-year-old has already joined his new teammates for a training session.
Liverpool were chasing van Dijk for a long time and prior to his move, it was quoted that the Reds aren’t the only interested party. According to the Spanish publication Sport, Barcelona were interested as well, while Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City had made him their top priority as well. The speculation of Van Dijk joining Liverpool over the summer took a wrong turn as Southampton accused the Reds of illegally approaching the player which was followed by Liverpool issuing a public apology and a letter which stated the end of their interest in the defender.
But now as the transfer is done, Van Dijk has said that he is happy to join Liverpool and that the club is a perfect match for him and his family.
“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,” Van Dijk told Liverpool’s official website.
“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.”
Had he had decided to move to the Etihad, he could have earned much more, but the defender opted to join Klopp and believes Liverpool are “very close” to winning silverware.
“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,” Liverpool’s new addition explained.
Can’t wait to see Van Dijk take the pitch for Liverpool!
https://youtu.be/xk8_-DuuRZY
