Virgil van Dijk has said he wants to be a 'legend' at Liverpool, while revealing why exactly he wanted to join the club before his record-breaking £75m move last January.
The Netherlands captain has been one of the Reds' standout performers this season, as the Jurgen Klopp's side sit second in the Premier League table, with a game in hand on title rivals Manchester City.
After long-standing questions over Liverpool's defensive stability, the additions of Van Dijk and summer signing Alisson have seen the Reds become one of Europe's meanest sides at the back, conceding a league best of just 15 goals in 2018/19.
Speaking to
He said: "
"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 vs Real Madrid Champions 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."
The 27-year-old, who will return to action to face Manchester United this weekend after missing the 0-0 Champions League draw with Bayern Munich through suspension, also spoke of his desire to become a club legend at Anfield, while revealing the family atmosphere is what attracted him to the club.
He said: "As a legend of Liverpool. I want to achieve amazing things here. We have a fantastic squad, we have everything, we have all the tools.
"They went all out to get me and I want to give everything for them. Before I started training [with the club], I went to the game against Leicester [in December 2017]. I was in the boardroom and met so many legends, great players who played for a beautiful club.
"When you play for this club, you'll always be welcome as you've been part of the family. It's one of the reasons I definitely wanted to play for the club."
Source : 90min