Liverpool, April 17 (NationPress) Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has officially signed a new two-year contract with Liverpool FC, extending his tenure with the club beyond the 2024-25 season.

The Dutch defender's prior agreement was set to lapse at the conclusion of the current season, making him the second player, following Mohamed Salah, to secure a contract extension with the club this month.

“I’m incredibly happy and proud. A flood of emotions runs through my mind as I discuss this,” Van Dijk stated.

“It’s a moment of pride and joy. It’s simply amazing. The journey I’ve embarked on in my career, to extend it with another two years at this esteemed club is fantastic, and I couldn’t be happier.

“Liverpool was always the choice for me. It was in my thoughts, part of my plan, and it was undeniably Liverpool. I never doubted that this is where I belong, for me and my family. Someone referred to me recently as an adopted Scouser – I take great pride in that, it fills me with joy,” he added.

Van Dijk joined Liverpool from Southampton in January 2018 and swiftly established himself as one of the top defenders globally.

His defensive skills have been crucial in securing seven major trophies for the Reds during this period, with the No.4 registering 314 appearances and 27 goals to date.

The Netherlands international boasts a trophy collection that includes the Premier League, Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup, FA Cup, and two League Cups.

On an individual note, Van Dijk was honored as the PFA Players’ Player of the Year in 2019 and has been recognized in the Premier League Team of the Year four times.

The 33-year-old finished as the runner-up in the 2019 Ballon d’Or voting, narrowly missing out to Lionel Messi, affirming his status as a modern football great.

Van Dijk took on the permanent captaincy of Liverpool in the summer of 2023 and will continue to drive the team towards more successes following his commitment to the Reds.