{"id":234,"date":"2025-07-14T12:07:05","date_gmt":"2025-07-14T12:07:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/234\/"},"modified":"2025-07-14T12:07:05","modified_gmt":"2025-07-14T12:07:05","slug":"virgil-van-dijks-classy-message-of-thanks-after-emotional-day-liverpool-fc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/234\/","title":{"rendered":"Virgil van Dijk’s classy message of thanks after “emotional day” – Liverpool FC"},"content":{"rendered":"

Virgil van Dijk<\/a> has penned a classy message of thanks to Liverpool supporters and Preston North End on what was an emotional day of tributes to Diogo Jota<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Liverpool captain played no part in the first friendly of the summer, instead watching from the bench as his side won 3-1 on an afternoon that was full of emotional tributes.<\/p>\n

Preston were classy hosts, providing a free programme that honoured Jota and his brother Andre, laying a wreath in front of the away fans and joining in on a 20th-minute tribute.<\/p>\n

As for Liverpool supporters, Jota\u2019s song was a consistent presence throughout the afternoon and none more poignant than after the full-time whistle as players and staff stood in applause. <\/p>\n

After the match, Van Dijk took to his Instagram<\/a> story to write a classy message of thanks: \u201cAn emotional day but good work from the boys, thanks for all your love and support Reds. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n

\u201cBig thanks to Preston and good luck for the rest of the season!<\/p>\n

\u201cForever 20!!!\u201d<\/p>\n

Van Dijk\u2019s was one of several post-match messages, with Darwin Nunez<\/a>\u2018s tribute particularly heartbreaking after reminiscing on the celebration he was a part of with Jota after his winner against Tottenham<\/a> in 2023.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know today you celebrated with me like that time,\u201d the No. 9 penned alongside images of his celebrations in tribute to Jota and from the 4-3 win at Anfield.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Van Dijk was one of 10 senior players to sit out<\/a> of Liverpool\u2019s opening friendly, which included Florian Wirtz<\/a>, Alisson<\/a>, Ibrahima Konate<\/a>, Alexis Mac Allister<\/a>, James McConnell<\/a> and Luis Diaz<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Instead of featuring, each are focusing on their fitness with extra sessions at the AXA Training Centre ahead of their trips to Hong Kong and Japan later this month.<\/p>\n

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