Van Dijk views £75m price tag as ‘a big compliment’

Ian Watson

New Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk says his £75million price tag is a huge compliment to the work he has put into his career.

The 25-year-old Dutch centre-back completed his move from Southampton on January 1 – six months after his proposed move to Merseyside fell through.

Saints threatened to report Liverpool to the Premier League over an alleged illegal approach for Van Dijk and the Reds backed off. However, their resolve to get Van Dijk remained and the defender stayed patient before eventually signing for a larger fee of £75million.

And speaking to Jamie Carragher for Sky Sports, the towering defender said he is not nervous over the large price tag.

“It doesn’t make me nervous, it’s a big compliment to myself for the hard work I’ve put in so far, that Liverpool are willing to pay that much money. I can’t change anything about that,” said Van Dijk.

“I think the size of the club, the fans, the players, the manager, the whole package here is amazing.

“You can see yourself that the atmosphere at every home game is amazing. I’m just very happy to play for the club.”

Van Dijk enjoyed a dream Liverpool debut with an 84th-minute headed winner against Everton in the FA Cup third round last Friday night.