Van Dijk responds to MU legend: 'Don't cross the line'

The verbal clash between Virgil van Dijk and Wayne Rooney has intensified after Liverpool's victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League.

After the win against Real Madrid, Van Dijk clearly expressed his dissatisfaction when Rooney implied that he and Mohamed Salah had declined following their contract renewals. “I always take responsibility and strive to give my all for the club and for the fans who have supported us through tough times. I see what the whole team does every day, and it’s really hard to accept when someone says I gave up after signing a new contract,” Van Dijk shared.

The 33-year-old defender also emphasized that he understands criticism is normal in football, especially when Liverpool goes through difficult periods. However, he believes some comments, particularly from former legends, are “crossing the line”. “When you lose four or five matches in a row wearing Liverpool’s jersey, criticism is expected. But sometimes things get blown out of proportion. Nowadays, everyone has a platform to speak, and social media amplifies everything. I just hope former top players will view things more fairly, put everything into proper context, and not push things to the limit.” Van Dijk added.

Previously, Wayne Rooney repeatedly mentioned Van Dijk on his personal podcast, claiming the Dutch defender no longer maintains the same level or influence in the dressing room as before. Although Rooney later affirmed “he still respects” the Liverpool captain, there is clearly tension between the two.

After the Liverpool vs. Real Madrid match, the two unexpectedly met backstage. While both Rooney and Van Dijk remained polite, the atmosphere was reportedly somewhat “awkward.” According to UK media, Van Dijk stayed calm but could not hide his discomfort hearing the former MU striker’s comments again.

Looking ahead, coach Arne Slot’s team will face a huge challenge against Manchester City this weekend. Van Dijk confirmed the squad will quickly refocus: “We know football changes very fast. Now is the time to rest, recover, and prepare for Man City. It will be a tough test, especially facing Erling Haaland, a striker in exceptional form.”

The victory over Real Madrid not only restored Liverpool’s confidence but also highlighted captain Van Dijk’s resilience, proving he is not just a defensive leader but also a strong voice amid criticism.