Virgil van Dijk has been one of the most important players in Liverpool's recent history, and Steven Gerrard played a key role in convincing the Dutchman to join the Reds
Liverpool legends Steven Gerrard and Virgil van Dijk
Liverpool legends Steven Gerrard and Virgil van Dijk(Image: Liverpool FC)
Steven Gerrard has disclosed the behind-the-scenes part he played in Liverpool's acquisition of Virgil van Dijk back in January 2018.
The Dutch defender arrived at Anfield in a then club-record transfer from Southampton, famously unveiled on December 27 with the centre-half pictured beside a Christmas tree.
Liverpool had attempted to secure Van Dijk during the summer of 2017, with the Netherlands international expressing his desire to relocate to Merseyside despite competing bids from Man City and Chelsea.
However, the Reds were compelled to withdraw and delay until the winter window after issuing an apology to Southampton for pursuing their player inappropriately.
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Liverpool ultimately secured their target with both parties thriving ever since. During his eight and a half years on Merseyside, Van Dijk has claimed every major trophy, led the Reds to Premier League success and cemented his status as one of their finest ever servants.
Gerrard has now disclosed that the centre-back actually contacted him in 2017 seeking guidance while still weighing up which club to join, reports the Liverpool Echo.
"He phoned me at the time actually," Gerrard recalled. "I knew his agent really well. It was City, Liverpool.
"He said to me, 'I haven't phoned you to sort of push me one way or the other, because I know which way you're going to push me. But just tell me a little bit about Liverpool?'
"I just said to him, 'Look, if it's about what the clubs stand for and what the clubs are about, you're wasting your time because I think you already know the answer to that.'".
"It was an interesting conversation and I was so happy that he chose us."
Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool
Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool (Image: Naomi Baker, Getty Images)
Gerrard featured alongside Van Dijk and Graeme Souness in a brand new LFC original film entitled 'Captains', which is set to be released in its entirety on All Red on Tuesday 18 August.
Having listened to the Scouse legend recount their exchange, Van Dijk disclosed how Gerrard, Jordan Henderson and Jürgen Klopp each played a pivotal part in his decision to put pen to paper at Liverpool.
"Of course I [remember the call]," he said. "Obviously yourself and Hendo were very important for me, together with Jurgen.
"For me to speak to you, it was already massive. That feeling of, like, I wanted to play for this club so badly, it was so intense.
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"And the fans embraced me from day one. Scoring also against Everton [on his debut] helped massively too!".