Virgil van Dijk has been left bemused by comments attributed to him in the wake of Liverpool's Champions League semi-final first leg defeat to Barcelona.
The Dutch defender was quoted by Spanish outlet Marca lavishing praise on Lionel Messi and talking about how he's glad he doesn't have to come up against the Argentinian attacker in La Liga.
Messi's late double consigned the Reds to a 3-0 defeat in the Nou Camp to leave Jurgen Klopp's side with a mountain to climb in Tuesday's second leg at Anfield.
“When he is at his best, there is nothing you can do to stop him,” Van Dijk was quoted as saying.
“I am glad I don't play in Spain and have to face him every season.”
Those comments have since been picked up by sections of the English media but Van Dijk is adamant he didn't say those words and regards it as 'fake news'.
Liverpool share his frustration and are equally perplexed by the publication of what they regard as made-up quotes.
The £75million man is preparing for Saturday night's must-win Premier League clash with Newcastle United.
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Victory at St James' Park would put the Reds top of the Premier League and pile the pressure back on Manchester City, who host Leicester City on Monday night.
