"The instant feeling was there with Liverpool and they ticked most of my boxes" - Van Dijk

Liverpool conquered the World with the influence of the Dutchman after winning the FIFA Club World Cup

"The instant feeling was there with Liverpool and they ticked most of my boxes" - Van Dijk
Van Djk

Virgil Van Dijk has asserted that his decision to join Liverpool was influenced by the historical landmark of the Reds.

The capable Dutch captain disclosed on Sky Sports that everything about the Anfield club was in fine fettle with his and didn’t need to be convinced much to join Liverpool.

Manchester City and a few other Premier League teams were in need of Dijk’s signature in 2018 but he opted to join the Reds from Southampton, becoming the World’s expensive defender then for a reported fee of £75 million.

In an interview with Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp for The Football Show, the Dutchman reflected on his career and how he has managed to build a name for himself from the streets of Netherlands.

“It was surreal for me to have to make a decision [between Liverpool and other top clubs] where to go to at the time. The instant feeling was there with Liverpool and they ticked most of my boxes,” he said.

“When I went to Celtic I didn't realise how big they were at the time, but I had a feeling before I joined Liverpool how big Liverpool really were.

“You see all their games, I'd played there two times before I joined them, and over the course of time before I signed, I met so many people, Liverpool fans, that would say, 'I hope you sign for us'.

It was special, and when things got finalised and you start playing, my debut against Everton was something I will never forget.

“How things went in the end; starting in the winter, reaching the Champions League final, the disappointment of losing it but then winning it the year after, coming very close to winning the Premier League and obviously now we are in a very fortunate position to hopefully get it over the line when things start moving again. We are making big progress as a team and I have definitely made big progress myself.

 

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He spoke on his Champions League success and the impact the previous loss had on the entire team. To him, it was strange to lose the trophy against Madrid and contend strongly for the accolade the following year yet his defensive command was a key after he became the solution at the Reds backline.

“Winning the Champions League was surreal. I slept only one hour after, then we went straight back to Liverpool after that and then we went on the parade. I couldn't keep my eyes open; I was so tired, but it was an unbelievable night, something I will never forget.

“It was just incredible, from start to finish, it's something we all want to experience again, whether it's in the Premier League or next season in the Champions League. We will try and go again. Hopefully we can experience something similar in the future.

The Reds will soon be crowned as Premier League champions for the first time in 30 years following the drop of five points out of a possible 87 surpassing Manchester City by an incredible 25 points.