“Hard to express” – Virgil van Dijk gets emotional after first Liverpool appearance in 9 months

Virgil van Dijk posts an emotional message after playing for Liverpool again after 9 months

Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk returned to the pitch after being out for nearly 9 months due to injury. 

The Dutchman suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in October during a game against rivals Everton. It was immediately revealed that the player would need surgery and would certainly be out for quite a while. 

While nobody knew the extent of the injury, Jurgen Klopp and co. hoped for the best, and by the start of this year, it was clear that he would not play any part

 in the 2020/21 Premier League season, while the injury also ruled him out for the Netherlands at the Euros.

Van Dijk, however, returned to full training earlier this month and has since been trying to gain match fitness. Earlier this week, Jurgen Klopp did accept the fact that the Dutchman might get some minutes in their pre-season game against Hertha Berlin on Thursday. 

Speaking to the club’s official website (h/t The Express), Jurgen Klopp said. 

“I hope, I am not sure, that there is the opportunity that Virgil could play a few minutes”

Sure enough, Van Dijk did make it onto the pitch as he was brought on as a substitute for the final 20 minutes of the game. 

Although Liverpool lost the game 3-4, it was some good minutes under the belt for Van Dijk. The defender later posted an emotional message of his recovery on his official Instagram handle (h/t Liverpoolfc)

“285 days ago, I started on a journey back towards playing,”

“It’s hard to express how I am feeling, but it’s important to me that I say I feel blessed to have had the support of so many incredible people.

Van Dijk went on to thank all the people who contributed to his recovery. 

“The surgeon, my physios, coaches, and staff who have been with me in my corner since day one. My teammates for giving me energy and keeping my head up. The fans for their love, support, and encouragement.

“And most of all, my family because without them, I’d be nothing. Thank you.”

Liverpool will commence their Premier League season against Norwich on the 14th of August.