Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk finished second in the 2019 Ballon d'Or behind Lionel Messi.
Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk hit back at Piers Morgan at the Ballon d'Or award ceremony on Monday evening after making a joke about Cristiano Ronaldo.
Van Dijk, who finished in second-place to Lionel Messi but above Juventus superstar Ronaldo, asked a reporter if the forward 'was really a rival' in a tongue-in-cheek interview.
TV personality Morgan, however, tweeted the Liverpool centre-back to say: "No.. Cristiano is a far greater player, you're not in his league."
Van Dijk moved to politely shoot down Morgan with his response, saying: "Hi Piers, If you don't jump on the social media bandwagon and would listen to the whole interview then you would know I made a joke, and only got respect for those 2 [Messi included alongside Ronaldo]."
Supporters loved Virgil's retort, commenting: "VVD owning Morgan with well timed challenge as per."
Emmanuelju
995
Ronaldo have never missed a top 3 appearance but Messi once came 4th. Messi fans please drink water
ABHIJAI2
753
VAN DIJK TO PIER MORGANS , THIS WAS A FACT AND NOT A JOKE , DEAL WITH IT.
Amanda-
595
Piers Morgan too is joking π so why are you getting upset π‘
Uncle200
580
Virgil remove your musk. We know you are Zlatan
sehajbains_02
578
VVD.... Don't be say it in joke.... Thank to God that you joked.... You one season wonder.... and poor Liverpool fans prefer you over Ramos and other top defenders of history . I didn't understand why you people gonna criticise CR7 because of one season bad because he was in new club, with new teammates, new tactics, new strategies, new coach . Just chill guys.... The people who say him finsihed then this finished man will teach them lesson by winning Serie A title, Copa Italia, UCL, Euro Cup 2020, Ballon d'or
Hatendra Bali
468
ππππ Of course, VVD is not in Ronaldo's league after all Ronaldo plays in Italy. ππππ
sehajbains_02
270
VVD you were lucky that you got Messi in semis[Crylaugh]