LIVERPOOL fans may have Celtic fans to thank for Virgil van Dijk choosing to head to Anfield rather than heading to Manchester City a year and a half ago.

The Dutchman is getting prepared for his second consecutive Champions League final on Saturday and has spoken about his move to Liverpool and the influences he had to draw upon to make the correct career decision.

Virgil was signed by Neil Lennon back in his first stint as Celtic manager and he was a bargain buy for the Scottish Champions. The defender was a class above anyone in Scotland and it was clear almost straight away he was heading to the top of the game.

Speaking about his Celtic career and asked if it had any influence in him going to Liverpool via Southampton, the Holland captain said the influence was huge.

“Going to Celtic was fantastic for me even if it was the same situation I had in Holland. [Bigger] clubs doubted my ability because they thought the standard was not so high in Scotland. I kept working hard and I always believed in myself.” Virgil told AnfieldHQ.

“And the fans at Celtic are amazing. They live and die for their club.

“That’s something I love – real fans, real passion. It’s why I also made the decision to come to Liverpool.”

Virgil will be centre stage and will come up against another former Celt in Victor Wanyama when Liverpool meet Spurs in the final of the Champions League.