Virgil van DIjk has revealed how Liverpool fans endeared themselves to him before his move to Anfield.
The Dutch centre-back has been a revelation since signing for the Reds for £75 million in January 2018.
The move was finalised mid-season after a dispute with former club Southampton the previous summer.
“After the end of August [and the transfer window] I put my head down, played for Southampton and gave everything. I was happy to play because I came back from an eight-month injury,” Van Dijk told the BBC.
“When everything happened over the summer, people doubt you. For me, I really didn’t care as I gave everything in games and training.
“When it was December and I got a call to say they got a deal done and I could talk to Liverpool, I was very happy.
“I went to the Juventus v Real MadridChampions League final in Cardiff in 2017 and a lot of Liverpool fans came to me and said I had to sign for them.
“It was a great gesture; they were nice and respectful.”
Van Dijk missed the Reds’ Champions League last 16 first leg vs Bayern through suspension, but will return this weekend to face Man United as they continue their title bid.
