The defender has been a key factor in the Reds' improved form
Virgil Van Dijk enjoying time in Sunrise restaurant, Manchester
Virgil Van Dijk enjoying time in Sunrise restaurant, Manchester
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Virgil van Dijk has been spotted in a restaurant whose owner said he "came back for seconds". The Liverpool captain visited a restaurant in Greater Manchester last week and was more than happy to pose for a photo alongside co-owner, Michelle, who claimed the Premier League defender previously visited and enjoyed it enough to return.
Van Dijk was pictured in West Indian kitchen Sunrise Caribbean. The takeaway was launched more than 20 years ago as a food van in Salford, before opening their first venue on Broughton Lane five years later. It also opened in MediaCity, Salford Quays earlier this year.
Sunrise shared a picture with the Dutch captain last week, as they posted to social media: "Big Virgil Van Dijk enjoying some real Jamaican food from Sunrise. Enjoyed the Lemon Pepper Jerk so much he Came back for seconds. United fan for life but the man has Aura."
Virgil Van Dijk enjoying time in Sunrise restaurant, Manchester
Virgil Van Dijk enjoying time in Sunrise restaurant, Manchester(Image: SunriseCaribbeanFood Instagram)
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The restaurant was praised after posting the update. One comment said: "Go on Michelle" and another added "no way", alongside crying face emojis. A further response was "nice picture, cheers."
The Manchester Evening news reported that the restaurant is already a firm favourite with famous faces like Lionesses player Chloe Kelly, Spice Girl Mel B and Manchester boxer Zelfa Barrett, who have enjoyed food at the establishment before.
Van Dijk has shared a rare insight into his home life this afternoon. He posted pictures and said: "Always count your blessings." Among the pictures shared was a selfie with musician Ed Sheeran. Another snap showed him holding the hand of his child.
On the pitch, it has been back-to-back wins for the captain's side. The Reds followed up a 1-0 Champions League victory at Internazionale by seeing off Brighton & Hove Albion 2-0 at Anfield on Saturday.
Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool acknowledges the fans after the Premier League match between Liverpool and Brighton & Hove Albion
Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool acknowledges the fans after the Premier League match between Liverpool and Brighton & Hove Albion
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Hugo Ekitike scored twice as Liverpool made it five games unbeaten. Speaking afterwards, Van Dijk insisted there is still plenty of work to do to build on.
Van Dijk, who made his 250th appearance for Liverpool at the weekend, said: "The mood in the dressing room has always been very good. It can obviously go down in terms of performances, if you win or lose.
"But the main thing I see is that we all have the will to turn this around, and the hunger and energy to do so. But obviously it's about what happens between those white lines in 95 minutes. That's what we can influence and that's what we want to do."