Liverpool announced this morning that defender Virgil van Dijk had signed a new four-year contract with the club.
The deal keeps the Dutchman at Anfield until the summer of 2025, and comes as he prepares to return to competitive action after missing most of last season through injury.
During his time with the Reds, Van Dijk has won the Premier League, Champions League, Super Cup and Club World Cup.
In 2019, he finished second in The Best FIFA Men’s Player Award, behind Lionel Messi.
He was named as UEFA’s Defender of the Season in 2018/19, as well as winning the UEFA Men’s Player of the Year award.
Upon signing the new deal, Van Dijk told Liverpool’s official website: “It is something to be very proud of, that I am very proud of, that my wife and kids are very proud of and obviously my agency.
“All the hard work we’ve put in so far continues and I am looking forward to what the future brings together with Liverpool.
“I’m delighted, very happy and proud.”
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said: “Great news. We’re really happy that he’s happy here. After a difficult year he’s back on track.
“Imagine if we had to buy this boy now? Thankfully we only had to give him a new contract.”
The news of Van Dijk’s renewal has understandably been met with overwhelming positivity from Liverpool fans.
His absence from the first team, along with that of Joe Gomez, due to an ACL injury was a factor in Liverpool’s loss of form around the Christmas/New Year period.
The previous season, he had played every minute of Liverpool’s Premier League-winning campaign.
Liverpool fans on Van Dijk renewal
Here’s what fans had to say on Twitter:
Liverpool will kick off their 2021/22 Premier League campaign on Saturday, when they travel to Carrow Road to take on newly-promoted Norwich.
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