Virgil van Dijk's text to former Liverpool team-mate as Steven Gerrard proven right

Steven Gerrard's prediction about has been proved spot on as the captain prepares to add to his legendary Anfield legacy. Van Dijk has finally committed his future to the club by

The Netherlands defender followed last week's example of in finalising an extension just a few months before his current deal expires. Although both were always keen to remain at Anfield, the issue had been allowed to rumble on all season,

But with the title now within touching distance, the loose ends have been tied up. Van Dijk’s new deal will extend his spell on Merseyside to almost a decade.

READ MORE:

READ MORE:

Back in 2018, when he was weighing which club to leave for, were also in the frame for his signature. However, conversations and text messages with Reds legend Gerrard and helped to convince him that Anfield was the best place for him.

The gist of the messages from Gerrard and Henderson was, "You'll become a legend," reports That has proven emphatically correct with Van Dijk being a key factor in Liverpool's success under which saw the and Premier League trophies, plus both domestic cups, being delivered to Anfield.

How Van Dijk would knit with Klopp's successor, would always be key to his future beyond this season. But he has carried on where he left off under Klopp, and he looks almost certain to be lifting the Premier League trophy again in a matter of weeks, this time in front of a packed Anfield following the behind-closed-doors success of 2020.

"I'm very happy, very proud," Van Dijk, who turns 34 in July, told Liverpool's official website as his new deal was announced. "There are so many emotions, obviously, that go through my head right now, speaking about it.

"It's a proud feeling, it's a feeling of joy. It's just incredible. The journey I've had so far in my career, to be able to extend it with another two years at this club is amazing, and I'm so happy.

"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."

The same cannot be said for the third player whose deal expires in the summer, with seemingly increasingly confident of concluding their long pursuit with a free transfer signing at the end of the season.

and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our