Virgil van Dijk fires back at critics as Real Madrid and AC Milan circle expiring Liverpool contract

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A special evening, a wonderful milestone, and certainly something I am very proud of."The Liverpool captain opened up on the wave of emotion that overtook him following the match:"I did find it difficult for a moment in the dressing room just now and I am quite emotional, I have to say. But I am so grateful.

Unfortunately, I missed [2020 with a knee injury] or I might have come close to Wesley Sneijder (134), but I’m proud and happy."Head coach Xavi was glowing in his praise for his captain's leadership and influence on the squad:"I said that he is an example. That I am very proud.

He is a real leader, I am so proud that I am his coach."What this means for Liverpool and IraolaFor us as Liverpool supporters, van Dijk’s international milestone is a proud moment but it also brings the harsh reality of his contract situation straight into focus.The defender himself addressed the inevitable noise surrounding his age and performance levels head-on:“You have to take very good care of yourself and do everything that you can to be ready every single time,” Van Dijk noted. “I feel like I’m in a good position now, so I just have to keep going.