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    Ollie Watkins sends message to Aston Villa boss Emery and admits he’s FUMING at being dropped for Champions League games

    OLLIE WATKINS was left “fuming” over his Champions League axe.The  striker scored as Aston Villa sunk top-five rivals Newcastle — four days after being benched for their defeat by Paris Saint-Germain.Villa striker Ollie Watkins didn’t hold back over his feelingsCredit: Sky SportsUnai Emery’s Champions League selection angered WatkinsCredit: RexWatkins celebrated his opener in the 4-1 win over NewcastleCredit: GettyOn boss Unai Emery’s snub, Watkins said: “I was fuming I wasn’t playing after I played 20 minutes against PSG in both games.“I let him know that. He’s the manager and I respect his decision.“But I’m not one of those players happy to sit on the bench.“Rather than let it hinder you, you have to use that anger and let it spur you on to prove the manager different.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I found myself out of the team for a few games so today I was raring to go and  wasn’t going to let that opportunity slip.“The manager is going to have a headache as I’m banging on the door asking why I’m not playing.”Watkins netted after just 33 seconds and set up Villa’s crucial second goal in the rout.Emery’s men sit sixth in the table, level on points with Nottingham Forest in fifth and two points off third-placed Toon.Most read in FootballWatkins took only 33 seconds to make the breakthroughCredit: GettyBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThis win followed their painful exit to PSG and Emery praised Watkins’ inspiring performance.Spanish gaffer Emery said: “To be angry is  fantastic. To play like he did today is fantastic.Heartwarming moment Matty Cash’s reporter sister tells him she loves him after Aston Villa’s PSG defeat“Last week he helped  us out, too. On Tuesday, he played 20 minutes.“His commitment is always high to get to  his best and this is what we want and need.“This morning I was speaking with some  players about how they feel. It is a real key moment to find our best.”On their quarter-final exit to PSG, Emery added: “We have to feel angry when we are not winning.“Of course we enjoyed the Champions League — we have to be proud of our effort but we lost.“I’m very proud of how the players responded.”Jason Tindall,  in interim charge at Toon while Eddie Howe recovers from pneumonia, admitted his team were well beaten.After a five-game Prem winning streak, he said: “It was a difficult evening.Read More on The Sun“First half I thought  we did well off the back of the early setback.“Maybe it was one step too far and three games in six days was too much physically for the players.” More

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    Renee Slegers reckons Arsenal can turn fight for Women’s Champions League final spot around

    RENEE SLEGERS vows Arsenal will use memories of their past trouncing of Lyon to keep their Champions League final hopes alive. Her Gunners fell to a narrow 2-1 loss on Saturday afternoon after Melchie Dumornay’s goal thwarted the chance of a draw.Kadidiatou Diani gave Lyon a 17th-minute lead at the Emirates after her strike was found to be onside following a VAR checkCredit: GettyArsenal won a second-half penalty after Lyon keeper Christiane Endler was adjudged to have fouled Leah Williamson whilst attempting to punch the ball awayCredit: AlamyMariona Caldentey levelled the match with her spot-kick after sending Endler the wrong way with 12 minutes of normal time remainingCredit: AlamyBut Dumornay, pictured with celebrating with Lyon skipper Wendi Renard, restored her side’s lead in the 82nd minuteCredit: GettyThe visitors’ first-leg semis triumph ensured ex-Arsenal boss Joe Montemurro made his return to the Emirates a victorious one.The Gunners now face the challenge having to stun their rivals on the road with the French giants carrying a one-goal advantage. And they hope to win their second leg battle by at least two goals with a spot battling Barcelona or Chelsea in the final at stake.The last time the North London side appeared in the contest’s decider was in 2007 when they lifted the trophy after beating Umea in a two-legged tie. Read More Football StoriesArsenal gaffer Slegers, whose team visit Lyon next Sunday, said: “We’re not happy with the result, because we did really well getting the equaliser and that was the least we wanted. “And after that goal we felt like we could potentially score another. “As the game turned out, especially in the second half, the draw or  the win was what we were going for.”The last time Arsenal took on Lyon away in the Champions League was during the group stage of the contest almost three years ago. Most read in FootballBack in October 2022 they demolished the French giants 5-1 with Beth Mead and Caitlin Foord both netting twice with Frida Maanum also on the scoresheet. However the Lyon team they will battle in the second leg next Sunday will be quite different to the side they faced back then. Aside from Dumornay their attacking options currently includes Kadidiatou Diani and Tabitha Chawinga with the former among the scorers in today’s game. However, Slegers is bullish about her side’s chances of turning things around.The Gunners head coach adds: “Arsenal has done it before against Lyon away and has won by big numbers.”It’s going to be on a pitch, 11 versus 11, and we have all the opportunities to win that game next Sunday.”With Real Madrid getting dispatched in Europe by Arsenal’s women’s and men’s sides, the hosts came into this game full of confidence. However it was Lyon who struck first snatching a 17th-minute lead through Diani’s bottom-corner strike, following a fairly balanced opening quarter Her opener was initially disallowed before a VAR check showed she had been played onside with Arsenal’s defence caught out by her pace and one long ball forward. Later Dumornay hit the crossbar with a chipped effort after spotting keeper Manuela Zinsberger off her line. And there was a scary moment for the hosts when skipper Leah Williamson dropped to the turf in pain before getting up moments later after getting caught on the shin by the Lyon forward.And the hosts almost levelled proceedings with an effort from Alessia Russo striking the crossbarArsenal cranked up the intensity of their attack in the second-half. This eventually paid off when they won a pen after a VAR check found goalkeeper Christiane Endler had struck Williamson while trying to punch the ball away. Mariona Caldentey converted for hosts in the 78th minute. But hopes of a point were wrecked by Dumornay’s ruthless 82nd-minute striking flying past Gunners keeper Manuela Zinsberger after a rapid counter.Despite Arsenal’s loss Montemurro praised how far the team had come since time in charge. And the Lyon boss, whose players are so far still unbeaten in this term’s contest, admits his side suffered before sealing their first-leg victory. Montemurro said: “I’m not sure there are many people that come to this iconic stadium against a very good team and expect to not suffer a little bit. “And we suffered, but it balanced itself out in the end.Lyon boss Joe Montemurro reckons the pressure may be off Arsenal in the second leg despite his side’s one-goal advantageCredit: Getty”It’s not over yet. This thing is not over and maybe the pressure has been taken off Arsenal. Read More on The Sun”They’re 2-1 down, they’re coming to Lyon and whatever happens, happens. “But it’s a dangerous scenario and they’re a good team.” More

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    Real Madrid line up ex-Liverpool star Xabi Alonso to replace Carlo Ancelotti with Italian set for shock new job

    REAL MADRID are lining up Xabi Alonso to replace Carlo Ancelotti as boss, according to reports.The Italian’s future in the Spanish capital has come under the microscope since his side’s Champions League exit earlier this week.Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid future has come under the spotlightCredit: EPAXabi Alonso is the favourite to replace Ancelotti in MadridCredit: ReutersSpeaking ahead of tomorrow night’s clash with Athletic Bilbao, Ancelotti refused to confirm that he will remain in charge of Los Blancos for the Club World Cup this summer.According to The Athletic, Real Madrid chiefs have already “sounded out” Alonso over replacing Ancelotti.The Bayer Leverkusen boss, 43, played under Ancelotti with both Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.Last season, the ex-Liverpool star guided Leverkusen to Bundesliga title and DFB Pokal successes, while also reaching the Europa League final.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAlonso is the favourite to replace Ancelotti, should the 65-year-old leave the Bernabeu as expected.Ancelotti could go on to manage Brazil at the 2026 World Cup.The experienced boss has long been linked with the Selecao.It’s claimed that a representative of Brazil’s football federation was in attendance at Real Madrid’s clash with Arsenal this week ahead of meetings with Ancelotti.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe Selecao are currently without a manager following Dorival Junior’s sacking last month.Real Madrid, meanwhile, could cut the gap to Barcelona at the top of LaLiga to four points with a win over Athletic Bilbao.New footage ‘shows Jude Bellingham in tense standoff with Ancelotti’ as Real Madrid boss ‘mortally wounded’ by Arsenal They will also face Barca in the Copa del Rey final on April 26, after which Ancelotti’s future is set to further come under the microscope.Speaking earlier today, the under-pressure boss said: “We’re still competing for trophies. We have one [the Copa del Rey final] in a week, and we have the first ever Club World Cup at the end of the season, it wouldn’t be right to do it now.”All I can do is thank these players, I’ve enjoyed this and I want to keep doing so. We’re still united, we have a great relationship.”Ancelotti then went on to add: “At the end of the season, I’ll talk about that with the club.”I don’t want to talk about my future today. It’s an obvious question, but I don’t want to talk about it.”So all I say is we’ll talk about it with the club at the end of the season.”Read More on The SunAncelotti won LaLiga and the Champions League last season.But a trophyless campaign this time around could spell the end of his second spell in Madrid.Ancelotti, 65, saw his side dumped out of the Champions League this weekCredit: Getty More

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    Man Utd to go all out for Crystal Palace’s £50m-rated ace Eberechi Eze but face Premier League competition for star

    MANCHESTER UNITED boss Ruben Amorim wants Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace as a key summer signing — and is hopeful of winning the race.But the Red Devils will not have it all their own way with Aston Villa potential rivals if they cannot land United loanee Marcus Rashford.Manchester United want to sign Eberechi EzeCredit: ReutersRuben Amorin is keen to add more players to fit his styleCredit: AlamyUnited believe England international Eze would bring the class they lack and will go all out for him this summer.Midfielder Eze, 26, still has two years left on his deal, with the final 12 months an option the Eagles are sure to take up.But even so, time is running out and he is bound to have widespread interest in his signature with Palace braced for offers in the £50million range.The Selhurst Park favourite could fit into Amorim’s system in the front three, where his ability to make and take goals would be a huge upgrade.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHowever, it is not a clear run for Amorim as Villa are also considering Eze — and the Villans will turn to him if they fail to keep Rashford, 27.Palace know Eze’s price will drop after the summer window.It could be a tricky few months for the FA Cup semi-finalists.Eze is 27 in June and hitting his peak years, so he knows this transfer window is the time for his main career move.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSOne way to deal with Aston Villa’s interest in Eze could involve Rashford.Reports have claimed that the Red Devils could offer the out-of-favour forward in a swap deal for striker Ollie Watkins.Ruben Amorim will go all out to secure Europa League glory for Man Utd The report suggests that the club could offer Rashford as well as cash in order to land the England striker.Should this deal go through, then it could clear the way for Man United to sign Eze.Meanwhile, Eze did have a moment of misfortune in the week as he fluffed a penalty, Palace’s 5-0 hammering by Newcastle.The tame effort was well-saved by goalkeeper Nick Pope, which was labelled as one of the “worst” ever.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford More

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    Man Utd boss Amorim decides replacing blunder-keeper Onana is NOT priority as team-mates get set for the axe

    BLUNDER keeper Andre Onana is likely to get an Old Trafford lifeline — by default.Ruben Amorim had told his recruitment staff he was keen on a new No 1 this summer after a string of high-profile clangers by Onana.Andre Onana has been under a glaring spotlight following errorsCredit: GettyRuben Amorim is more focused on improving other areas of the teamCredit: GettyRasmus Hojlund has struggled while Joshua Zirkzee is now injuredCredit: GettyYet the Manchester United head coach’s transfer kitty will be determined by departures . . . and without mass exits, Amorim has bigger  priorities in other positions.Heading the list is a top-level  striker but he has also targeted a central defender, left-back and at least one more midfielder ahead  of replacing 29-year-old Onana.He had shown interest in Porto keeper Diogo Costa, 25, but could not  afford the £63million release clause —  leaving the way clear for neighbours City.Pep Guardiola is very keen, with doubts over Ederson and back-up Stefan Ortega staying at the Etihad beyond this season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOnana  had previously been on the radar of the Saudi Pro League and sources say United would do business at little more than £20m — yet that  interest seems to have cooled.The Cameroon keeper was axed for last Sunday’s trip to Newcastle after two more errors at Lyon in the 2-2 Europa League draw.But he was back for Thursday night’s quarter-final second leg and,  despite conceding four goals, also made a host of impressive stops in United’s crazy 5-4 win.Onana has let in 99 goals in just 69 Prem games since  signing from Inter Milan for an initial £43.8m in July 2023 but wants to prove he is up to the job.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKUnless there are a pile of exits, he is set to get his wish, with Amorim keen to sort other problem areas first . . . starting in attack.Rasmus Hojlund has been a flop, scoring  ONE United goal since December. And although partner Joshua Zirkzee showed flashes, they have been too rare and he is now crocked.Man Utd fans celebrate outside Old Trafford after leaving Lyon game early Portuguese gaffer Amorim also feels he is light in midfield and wants to strengthen at the heart of his defence.And despite Luke Shaw’s return easing worries at left-back, the 29-year-old’s catalogue of injuries in recent seasons means Amorim wants another first-team-ready arrival.Onana celebrated Man Utd’s sensational comeback win over LyonCredit: Rex More

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    Liverpool still want to sign Brentford’s £50m-rated Bryan Mbeumo despite Mo Salah agreeing new contract

    LIVERPOOL are lining up a move for Brentford hitman Bryan Mbeumo — despite Mo Salah signing a new deal.The pace and power of the Cameroon forward has really caught the eye of Kop scouts, who have been at a string of Bees games.Liverpool are lining up a move for Bryan MbeumoCredit: GettyThe 25-year-old scored twice on Saturday in a 4-2 win over Brighton, taking his Prem goal tally to 18 for the seasonMo Salah has signed a new contract to stay at LiverpoolCredit: AFPMbeumo looked a ready-made replacement for Salah but the checks have continued after the Egyptian superstar signed on for two more years.Brentford would want around £50million for Mbeumo, who has one year plus an option of a further season with them.The Reds want to freshen up their forward line and Mbeumo has all the qualities they like.The 25-year-old scored twice on Saturday in a 4-2 win over Brighton, taking his Prem goal tally to 18 for the season.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSMbeumo, who will be even more popular at Anfield if Darwin Nunez leaves this summer, can play wide right as well as through the middle.Insiders reckon Liverpool may even splash out as much as £200m in the summer on new faces — despite their imminent title success.Mbeumo, signed by Brentford in 2019 from Troyes for £5.8million, has been likened to Salah in terms of his style and impact.The duo play in similar positions and incredible data shows the pair even score from similar places.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThat Mbeumo is out of contract in the summer of 2026 is likely to force Brentford to make a decision on whether to sell for big money this summer.SunSport understands Arsenal and Newcastle are also keen on the French-born forward.Mo Salah commits to Liverpool with new two-year contract More

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    Ex-West Ham star Dimitri Payet beat me up & made me film sick sex acts, ex lover tells cops as ace faces police probe

    FORMER West Ham star Dimitri Payet has been accused of “physical, moral, psychological and sexual violence” during a seven-month affair.Ex-lover Larissa Ferrari reported the married midfielder to police last month over claims he forced her to film degrading videos and assaulted her during a ­campaign of abuse.Ex-lover Larissa Ferrari accused the ex-West Ham ace of ‘physical, moral, psychological and sexual violence’Credit: NewsflashThe footballer struck up a conversation with Larissa, 28, over Instagram last August using a fake profile, claims LarissaCredit: NewsflashLarissa showed The Sun on Sunday pictures of bruises, which she also handed to policeThe Brazilian lawyer alleged that former French international Payet, 38, even made her take part in a fake wedding and wear a ring to “prove her love”.Last night police in Rio de Janeiro — where Payet now plays — confirmed they have opened an investigation into him.Speaking in Rio, mum-of-two Larissa told The Sun on Sunday: “He’s a sick monster. I was scared for my life, and I’m still scared.“I not only want justice but to also help other women who are blindly allowing their partners to abuse them.”Read more on Dimitri PayetPayet spent 18 months with West Ham before Marseille paid £25million for him in January 2017. He then moved to Rio in 2023 after signing for Vasco de Gama.The footballer struck up a conversation with Larissa, 28, over Instagram last August. She claims that Payet, who has four children with wife Ludivine in France, used a fake profile. They then started messaging on WhatsApp.Larissa, who knew the star was married, flew 1,500 miles from her home in the state of Parana to meet him in Rio’s Windsor Hotel where his team were staying before a match.Asked for ‘weird things’She said: “He was very sweet and romantic. It was a very intense date and the following day I went to watch him play. He was so attentive and there was lots of hugging and kissing. I thought he seemed like a lovely man.”Most read in FootballAs the relationship grew, they started staying together for days at a time.Larissa said: “I opened up to him. I told him I had just come out of a relationship and that I was mentally fragile and he was very supportive. It felt like he was my shelter.”However Larissa said that in October he started to ask for “weird things” and told her to dress up as a bride.She said: “We had a fake wedding. He said it was an official moment of us entering into a real relationship.“He never mentioned his wife and I didn’t like to ask him about her. He asked me to buy a wedding ring to wear and told me that he would never leave me.”Larissa said she stopped dating other people and they acted as a “normal couple”. But in early December Larissa’s pal posted on social media a snap of two match tickets Payet had given them.Larissa claimed Payet became aggressive and screamed at her. She said: “This was the first time I saw this side of him.“He said he was the only person I could trust. He then told me he was going to punish me and would go to France for 30 days back to his family. He told me that when he came back I would be sexually punished as well.”Payet spent 18 months with Premier League side West HamCredit: PA:Press AssociationLarissa wearing bridal gear for ‘ceremony’When Payet returned to Rio in January, Larissa went to see him.She alleged he kicked her and beat her up and then had violent sex with her.Larissa showed The Sun on Sunday pictures of bruises. She also handed them to police.She recalled: “Within seconds of me arriving at his house he said, ‘Now your punishment starts’.“I felt like I deserved it though, as he had manipulated me into believing that I needed to be punished for our relationship to continue. I was vulnerable and I didn’t want him to leave me.“I knew I was being hurt but I couldn’t stop it as it felt like a condition for us to stay together.”The next day Larissa said Payet “rewarded” her and sent a driver to take her to watch him play from a VIP box.He said that we already knew that I was a ‘whore’ and that I needed to prove to him with videos reflecting that.Larissa FerrariOn January 22 another footballer reached out to her on Instagram and they started messaging but Larissa insisted it was friendly and that she told Payet.Wiping tears from her eyes, Larissa went on: “He got really mad and started calling me a ‘bitch’. He said that I was cheating on him.“He told me that I had seven days to prove that I really loved him. I didn’t know what to do to prove to him. I said I would get a tattoo of his name but he said that wasn’t enough.“He said he wasn’t with me as he was in Rio and I was home so I needed to punish myself as he wasn’t here to do it.“He said that we already knew that I was a ‘whore’ and that I needed to prove to him with videos reflecting that.”In text messages seen by The Sun on Sunday, Payet asked for “humiliating” sexual videos of Larissa. WhatsApp messages also show Payet asking for “disgusting acts” to prove her love.Payet and his wife Ludivine, a mum of fourCredit: AFPLarrisa claims Payet made her wear a wedding ringLarissa said that she sent shocking videos to Payet of her deg­rading herself as she was desperate for his approval and “really loved him”.She added: “They were really horrible things like putting my head in the toilet. He seemed happy at first that I had sent the videos he wanted, but then he kept asking for more.”Larissa said she rented an apartment in Rio in February to be close to him, only for him to leave her bruised once more.She said: “He said I was a ‘slag’ because I’m a Brazilian woman. What scared me was that I started to believe that I deserved it all.“None of my family or friends knew what was happening.”Pictures seen by The Sun on Sunday and police show bruises on Larissa’s buttocks, legs and arms.She finally gained the courage to end the relationship last month after attending therapy following a panic attack.Larissa said: “I was emotionally fragile and he knew that, which was how he was able to manipulate me so that he could do whatever he wanted with me.“I paid for every plane ticket and every stay to go and see him.“One week I had to take a bus instead of a plane and, as I was longer than he wanted me to be, he started abusing me on the phone.When I stepped off the bus in Rio I just collapsed and had a panic attack.Something in me snapped and I started having therapy which helped me realise that I didn’t deserve this.Larissa Ferrari“I got on the first plane back to my home city without seeing him.“Something in me snapped and I started having therapy which helped me realise that I didn’t deserve this.”Larissa said Payet’s behaviour changed and that he became “very sweet” and even asked her to live with him.She added: “I felt I had to try to protect myself. I went to a newspaper in Brazil to tell them about us — but at this point I didn’t mention the abuse as I wanted to go to the police first.”News broke of their alleged affair on March 22 and one week later Larissa contacted the police.Documents seen by The Sun on Sunday show she made an online report claiming she suffered “physical, moral, psychological and sexual violence”.According to the official report, Larissa’s lawyer said she was “assaulted by Dimitri Payet, which left marks on her body”.On March 30, Larissa filed an additional police report in Parana at a station specialising in assisting women requesting “emergency protective measures” against Payet.A forensic and psychological examination was carried out and police opened an investigation into her claims on March 30.Read More on The SunDefiant Larissa said: “I want to teach women the signals that sometimes we don’t see — especially if you’re a young girl falling for a powerful rich man.” Payet was approached for comment.Domestic abuse – how to get help DOMESTIC abuse can affect anyone – including men – and does not always involve physical violence.Here are some signs that you could be in an abusive relationship:Emotional abuse – Including being belittled, blamed for the abuse – gaslighting – being isolated from family and friends, having no control over your finances, what you where and who you speak toThreats and intimidation – Some partners might threaten to kill or hurt you, destroy your belongings, stalk or harass you Physical abuse – This can range from slapping or hitting to being shoved over, choked or bitten.Sexual abuse – Being touched in a way you do not want to be touched, hurt during sex, pressured into sex or forced to have sex when you do not consent.If any of the above apply to you or a friend, you can call these numbers:Remember, you are not alone.1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience domestic abuse over the course of their lifetime.Every 30 seconds the police receive a call for help relating to domestic abuse. 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    Virgil van Dijk’s image rights company banks eye-watering sum from sponsorship deals as he agrees £400k-a-week contract

    VIRGIL VAN DIJK earned £3million in image rights and sponsorship deals last season.And the Dutchman has amassed nearly £12m in the company he set up to handle his off-pitch earnings.Virgil van Dijk recently extended his Anfield stayCredit: GettyLiverpool’s captain raked in the equivalent of £60,000 a week ON TOP of his mega Anfield pay.His earnings are set to increase with his new two-year Reds deal  reportedly worth £400,000 a week — including bumper image rights payments.Latest paperwork for VVD Promotions Limited shows the 33-year-old’s company has assets of £11,689,424.Van Dijk launched his image rights firm in May 2017, several months before he joined the Anfield giants.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe defender also has a property firm, set up in 2023, with assets worth £5,685,584.Upon penning his new deal, Van Dijk revealed his delight at staying at Anfield.He said: “I’m very happy, very proud.”There are so many emotions obviously that go through my head right now speaking about it.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”It’s a proud feeling, it’s a feeling of joy. It’s just incredible.”The journey I’ve had so far in my career, to be able to extend it with another two years at this club is amazing and I’m so happy.” Fans convinced they know what Virgil van Dijk said to Newcastle hero Alexander Isak after Carabao Cup finalHe went on to add: “It was always Liverpool. That was the case.”It was always in my head, it was always the plan and it was always Liverpool.“There wasn’t any doubt in my head that this is the place to be for me and my family. I’m one of Liverpool.”Someone called me the other day an adopted Scouser – I’m really proud to hear these things, it gives me a great feeling.”Van Dijk, 33, is set to stick around at AnfieldCredit: Reuters More