VIRGIL VAN DIJK REVEALS ‘ONLY ONE PERSON’ WANTED HIM TO STAY AT CELTIC AFTER CONTRACT DISPUTE
Virgil van Dijk, now widely regarded as one of the world’s best defenders, has opened up about his departure from Celtic, sharing candid details about the behind-the-scenes negotiations that led to his exit. Speaking in a recent interview, the Dutchman revealed that during his time at Celtic, “only one person” at the club truly wanted him to stay after a disagreement over a contractual clause.
The Contract Dispute That Led to Frustration
Van Dijk signed for Celtic in 2013 from FC Groningen and quickly became a standout performer in Scottish football, earning praise for his commanding presence, composure on the ball, and ability to score from set pieces. However, after a successful stint at the club, a potential contract extension or adjustment was discussed to reflect his rising status and future aspirations.
The defender explained that the sticking point was a release clause he wanted inserted into a new contract, which would have made it easier for him to move to a bigger league. According to van Dijk, Celtic were unwilling to agree to his terms, leaving him frustrated.
“It wasn’t that I didn’t enjoy my time at Celtic — I loved the fans, the club, and the city. But when it came to planning my future, only one person really wanted me to stay. I felt I needed a pathway forward, and that wasn’t clear.”
The One Person Who Backed Him
Van Dijk did not specify who the individual was, but it is believed he was referring to a key figure in the coaching or management team. Speculation points to former Celtic manager Ronny Deila, who was in charge when Van Dijk made his final appearances for the club. Deila was known to have spoken highly of the defender’s potential, even acknowledging that his future likely lay beyond Celtic Park.
A Move to Southampton and a Path to Stardom
In 2015, Van Dijk completed a £13 million move to Southampton, where he continued his meteoric rise. His performances in the Premier League caught the attention of Liverpool, who signed him for a record-breaking fee of £75 million in January 2018. The rest, as they say, is history — Van Dijk has since become a cornerstone of Liverpool’s defense, winning the Champions League, Premier League, and multiple individual honors.
Celtic’s Transfer Policy Under Scrutiny
The revelation about the contract dispute has reignited discussions about Celtic’s transfer and contract negotiation strategies. While the club has a history of developing players and selling them for profit, some fans feel that allowing players like van Dijk to leave too easily has hindered their ability to compete on a larger stage.
“It’s frustrating to think that if the right decisions were made, we could have kept him longer,” one fan commented on social media. “But that’s football, and we’ll always be proud of what he achieved here.”
Van Dijk’s Legacy at Celtic
Despite his relatively short stay, van Dijk left a lasting impression at Celtic Park. His dominant performances helped the club secure domestic success, including Scottish Premiership titles and League Cup victories. Many still regard him as one of the best defenders to have worn the green and white hoops.
Conclusion
Virgil van Dijk’s comments offer a rare glimpse into the complexities of football negotiations, even at a club where he was beloved. While his departure may have been inevitable, the tale of “only one person” fighting for his future at Celtic adds another layer to the story of a player whose journey from Scotland to global stardom continues to inspire.
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