Virgil van Dijk's two-word message he heard days ago says everything about why he's staying

Liverpool centre-back and captain Virgil van Dijk has signed on for another two years, and the 33-year-old has relayed the message he heard that showed just why he couldn't simply walk away from Anfield

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has revealed the feeling of pure pride after he was recently referred to as an "adopted Scouser". Liverpool's number four has finally put to bed months of speculation over his long-term future by signing a two-year contract extension with the club.

The brand new terms will commit the centre-back to the Reds until 2027, which will almost take him up to a decade of service at Anfield, after joining in January 2018 from Southampton.

Speaking after penning his new deal, he disclosed that being christened as one of the city's own via the two-word message meant there was no other place he was going to play his football – with the comment all but summarising his great love affair with the club.

"Someone called me the other day an 'adopted Scouser'," Van Dijk said. "I’m really proud to hear these things, it gives me a great feeling."

Van Dijk, as with Mohamed Salah who put pen to paper on a new deal of his own last week, had entered the final couple of months of his deal at Anfield.

While the Liverpool faithful is no doubt in raptures over their captain signing on the dotted line, all eyes are now on ensuring Liverpool claim a record-equalling 20th championship.

With Arne Slot's side currently 13 points clear of second-placed Arsenal, just six points from the remaining six games will be enough for Van Dijk to lift Premier League trophy come May.

“I’m very happy, very proud,” added Van Dijk on his new deal. “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 love the city, I love the club, I love the fans. I love my teammates. I love everything that embodies Liverpool, and on to many more."

Van Dijk was handed the captaincy by former manager Jurgen Klopp in 2023 and enjoyed incredible success under the German, with the Champions League in 2019 and Premier League in 2020 just two of the highlights.

However, the Dutch star has also touched upon the impact made by Slot, as the Liverpool head coach looks to close in on the title in his maiden season at Anfield.

"I knew the manager from playing against him a couple of times but didn't really have a personal relationship with him," Van Dijk said. "I think he has an amazing season so far, in terms of also knowing he didn't have time to really have a proper pre-season.

"What really stands out for me is the way he handles good and difficult moments as well, because throughout the season there are difficult moments.

"And the way he conducts himself, not only him but the staff as well, has really been a good thing to see and also gave me a lot of confidence towards what the next two years could look like."