Virgil van Dijk reveals why he joined Liverpool as he speaks for the first time since transfer made official

Van Dijk officially became a Red on 1 January as the transfer window reopened

Virgil van Dijk has insisted he is ready to make an instant impact at Liverpool – despite missing Southampton’s last three games – and has revealed he was driven to make the move after dreaming of European nights at Anfield.

The Dutchman officially became the most expensive defender ever on New Year’s Day as the transfer window opened and his move to the Reds was confirmed.

A defensive error saw Liverpool fall behind in their 2-1 win over Leicester on Saturday as Van Dijk watched from the stands and despite him being eligible to play against Burnley today, Jurgen Klopp had previously indicated that he will ease the centre back in.

However, after taking part in his first training session on Sunday, Van Dijk is eager to be thrown straight into the action.

“I feel ready,” he told Liverpoolfc.com. “Obviously I didn’t play the last two games for Southampton, but I feel ready. I am looking forward to getting stuck in, make sure I get my chance and just play.”

The 26-year-old is also looking forward to playing in the Champions League again, having done so with Celtic, and revealed he couldn’t wait for a taste of Anfield’s famous atmosphere on a European night – with Liverpool due to face Porto next month in the Round of 16.

“Anfield is a very special stadium and it is my home right now as well,” he added. “I am just looking forward to being on the pitch. It’s going to be nice, especially the evening games and the European nights.

“Obviously, I have played in the Champions League with Celtic and that was very special as well. Liverpool is up there as well with the atmosphere and the fans.

"Everything is perfect - the stadium, the training ground, the facilities and the people who work at the club, the people and the city, the fans. It is just the perfect place for me to be, and for my family to be as well.”