MX23RW : Friday, November 8 19:45:39| >> :60:2665:2665:

Virgil van Dijk: 'I am delighted and honoured to join Liverpool'

Virgil van Dijk is "delighted and honoured" to be joining Liverpool in the New Year and thanked Southampton for the opportunity of playing in the Premier League.

Virgil van Dijk has declared himself "delighted and honoured" to have agreed a move to Liverpool.

The Merseyside outfit confirmed on Wednesday that the Dutchman would join Jurgen Klopp's side from Southampton when the transfer window opens on January 1.

Van Dijk had been expected to join Liverpool last summer after he handed in a transfer request, but the move fell through as the Reds apologised for making an alleged illegal approach for the player.

However, the Netherlands international will now link up with Liverpool in the New Year and spoke of his pride at joining "one of the biggest clubs in world football".

In a statement written on social media, Van Dijk said: "Delighted and honoured to have agreed to become a Liverpool FC player! Today is a proud day for me and my family as I join one of the biggest clubs in world football!

"I can't wait to pull on the famous red shirt for the first time in front of the Kop and will give everything I have to try and help this great club achieve something special in the years to come.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to say thank you to Les Reed, the board, manager, players, fans and everyone at Southampton.

"I will always be indebted to the club for giving me the opportunity to play in the Premier League and despite a difficult last few months I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Saints and have made friends for life at the club."

Though Van Dijk will join Liverpool on January 1, he will not be able to register as a player until the following day and so will not be available for the Reds' trip to Burnley.

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Virgil van Dijk warms up prior to the Premier League game between Crystal Palace and Southampton on September 16, 2017
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