"The hardest moment of my life was when I signed for Liverpool. I love this club, but it meant leaving my dad and he was just a few days away from a major operation. That was very hard," said the Dutch international.
"The fans have been wonderful to me and that is why I have been able to settle here. From the very first game their reaction towards me has been incredible. When I first stepped onto the pitch it was like I had been part of the club for months.
"I can't tell you how much I needed that after leaving my dad in Holland."