"That's a bit much" - Virgil van Dijk responds to Wayne Rooney's accusations

Virgil chose not to escalate the situation.

Details: After Liverpool's Champions League matchday 4 victory at Anfield over Real Madrid, 34-year-old Reds captain Virgil van Dijk addressed comments from legendary former England and Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney, who accused Van Dijk of lacking commitment and professionalism:

"Of course, if you're a Liverpool player and you lose four or five games in a row, then that criticism is fair, and that's absolutely normal. But I think that's a bit much.

We live in a world with so many platforms and so many people who can express their opinions, and those opinions get picked up and exaggerated. I think it's good that former players who've played at the highest level and handled tough moments can see things differently.

I felt Rooney's comment about me signing a new contract and then stopping playing was wrong. But that's just my personal opinion, we move on," van Dijk stated.

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Earlier, Rooney chastised van Dijk, claiming that after the Dutchman signed a new contract with the club, he stopped giving 100% on the pitch.

This season, van Dijk has played 15 matches for Liverpool, scoring 2 goals.

His current contract with the club runs until 2027.

Reminder: Not meant to be! Real Madrid turn down Van Dijk, who wanted to join the Galacticos