Virgil van Dijk describes Liverpool as the ‘perfect match for him and his family’ after defender completes world record Anfield switch
Dutch defender finally got what he wanted last summer and officially completed his move from Southampton to Liverpool today and has been handed the No4 shirt
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VIRGIL VAN DIJK claims his move to Liverpool is the “perfect match” for him and his family.
The Dutch defender opted for a world record move to Anfield instead of the joining Manchester City this month.
But the 26-year-old has revealed the Red’s rich history and the current squad lead by Jurgen Klopp was the clincher.
He said: “I think the most important thing is the size of the club, the culture of the club, the players, the manager and obviously the fans, who make the club this special.
"With the history at the club and everything around it, even the training ground and stuff, it is just a perfect, perfect match for me, and for my family as well.
"Obviously there is a lot of money being paid, but I can’t do anything about that money, I can’t do anything about the price, nobody can.
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"It’s only the market. The only thing I can do is just work hard, do the good things and be 100 per cent every day. That’s what I definitely want to do – and I am going to do."
Van Dijk was desperate to make the move in the summer and can’t wait to link up with the German manager.
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He added: “Everybody obviously from a Liverpool perspective knows how he is, how lively he is, how he can make players better and give them confidence as well. It just suits me as well.
"I think he can make me a better player and I am just looking forward to working with him.
The Dutch international has explained why he has ditched his Saints squad No 17 for the No4 shirt at Anfield.
He continued: "I had No.4 when I played for Groningen back in Holland, so I was always a big fan of No.4 anyway.
“Unfortunately at Southampton, my good friend Jordy Clasie had No.4, so I didn’t want to take it from him!
"I just like No.4. Obviously here, Sami Hyypia had it here as well and played for my team where I played 10 years in Holland, Willem II, so it’s a bit special.
"I am going to work hard every game, every day. I am going to give my everything, try to keep clean sheets and hopefully try and be a threat in front of goal as well.
"I think the main thing is just to organise, try to keep clean sheets. I will give everything I’ve got in every game."
The new Kop Idol was in attendance at Anfield to see his new team-mates hammer Swansea 5-0 and thanked fans on social media for his warm welcome.
He said on Twitter: "Happy New Year everyone, It was an amazing experience to go to Anfield and watch the team on Saturday.
"Great to get the win, thank you to all the fans and everyone at teh club for the reception you gave me, it means a lot to me and my family.
"I will always look back on 2017 as an important year in my life and now I'm excited to go into 2018 as a red! #LFC #YNWA.
"Here's to a big and successful year ahead."