Wayne Rooney backtracks on Virgil van Dijk after being confronted by Liverpool star

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Speaking on his podcast with BBC Sport, Rooney praised Van Dijk for standing up for his side as he analysed their television confrontation.The 40-year-old said: "I thought he was good that night, and I had loads of people say, 'Oh, when he came up to you,' I think fair play to him for coming out. I think I said it a few weeks ago on here, what he should be and he will be doing is getting the players together."I think he said that he got the players together and took them for a meal or something, trying to bring that chemistry back, and that's what I was saying he should be doing as a captain, and he's done that.

So, for him, I'm sure for Liverpool, he hopes that continues."Wayne Rooney has recalled his chat with Virgil van Dijk at Anfield (Image: The Wayne Rooney Show - BBC Sport)The former Red Devils striker was taken aback when Van Dijk emerged for an interview on Amazon Prime, having anticipated Szoboszlai would appear from the changing room instead.When questioned about the moment he discovered the Reds skipper would be speaking, Rooney responded: "When he was there, and I think it's great. If I was unfair, I'd be fair to hold my hands up."He's sat at home now, when he reflects on his performances this season, I'm sure he'd be the first to say they haven't been at the level which he set over the last few years.

The best players, top players, which Van Dijk is, use that to spur them on."Addressing the 'downing tools' remark, Rooney concluded: "I think Van Dijk, his issue was– maybe I was a bit unfair on that because I don't know him as a person. I said he got his new contract and he looked like down to it a little bit."So maybe I was a little bit unfair on that comment, but from a performance point of view I think I was speaking what I felt and what I was seeing and I think I was right on them." Read next Invalid emailWe use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you.