Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has signed a new contract with the club.
The Dutchman's current deal was due to expire at the end of the 2024/25 season, but he has now put pen to paper on a new contract, which is reported to run until the summer of 2027.
What did he say?
“I’m very happy, very proud,” Van Dijk told Liverpoolfc.com. “There are so many emotions obviously that go through my head right now speaking about it.
“It’s a proud feeling, it’s a feeling of joy. It’s just incredible. The journey I’ve had so far in my career, to be able to extend it with another two years at this club is amazing and I’m so happy.”
“It was always Liverpool. That was the case. It was always in my head, it was always the plan and it was always Liverpool.
“There wasn’t any doubt in my head that this is the place to be for me and my family. I’m one of Liverpool. Someone called me the other day an adopted Scouser – I’m really proud to hear these things, it gives me a great feeling.”
Van Dijk's career at Liverpool so far
Van Dijk was signed from Southampton on 27 December 2017 and made an instant impact at the club.
The Dutchman scored on his Liverpool debut against Everton in an FA Cup third-round tie and helped the club to reach the UEFA Champions League final that season.
The 2018/19 season would be one of the best campaigns in a Liverpool shirt for Van Dijk as he played in every single league match as the Reds won 97 points - the fourth-highest total in Premier League history - and claimed the Champions League, the club's sixth success in the competition.
Van Dijk would also win several personal honours that season, including the EA SPORTS Player of the Season, PFA Player of the Year and UEFA Men's Player of the Year.
In 2019/20, the Dutchman helped Liverpool end their 30-year wait for the league title as he again played every match of their Premier League campaign.
The 2020/21 season would be short-lived as he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury against Everton, but was back to his best the next year where he played a major role in Liverpool's domestic cup successes, claiming the EFL Cup and FA Cup.
After the departure of captain Jordan Henderson and vice-captain James Milner in the summer of 2023, Van Dijk was given the Liverpool armband last season and marked an impressive campaign with the winning goal in the EFL Cup final against Chelsea.
Van Dijk has played a key role in Liverpool's 2024/25 season, with his side currently 11 points clear at the top of the Premier League as they seek to win a record-equaling 20th league title.
