Virgil van Dijk has been left bemused by comments attributed to him in the wake of Liverpool's Champions League semi-final first leg defeat to Barcelona.
The Dutch defender was quoted by Spanish outlet Marca lavishing praise on Lionel Messi and talking about how he's glad he doesn't have to come up against the Argentinian attacker in La Liga.
Messi's late double consigned the Reds to a 3-0 defeat in the Nou Camp to leave Jurgen Klopp's side with a mountain to climb in Tuesday's second leg at Anfield.
“When he is at his best, there is nothing you can do to stop him,” Van Dijk was quoted as saying.
“I am glad I don't play in Spain and have to face him every season.”
Those comments have since been picked up by sections of the English media but Van Dijk is adamant he didn't say those words and regards it as 'fake news'.
Liverpool share his frustration and are equally perplexed by the publication of what they regard as made-up quotes.
Zoabcelpry
596
this really disgusting...I mean I'm a barca fan but few fans now thinks barca already won ucl... come on guys its too long be patient ...respect opponent ! if you have Liverpool ahead then it must be equal tie..all we are remembered Roma incidence last yr 4-1 home win wasn't sufficient for us! Liverpool really played well n barca too...! so still tie is open... forca barca 🔵🔴
Edoo87
152
hillbilly12
124
VVD has so many attributes but his positioning and organisation are right up there. It’s incredible we don’t concede on the counter with Robbo and TAA doing what they do so frequently.
LeoChilz
60
vDestiny3
53
Van Dijk should be proud that he says that about Messi else Messi will teach him a real lesson at Anfield come Tuesday.