Sunday’s jeers were mixed with cheers from other supporters, with Alexander-Arnold’s team-mate of eight years, Andy Robertson, telling Sky Sports it was “not nice” to hear the boos.
Van Dijk, who signed a two-year contract last month, said all of the Liverpool players need to move on and focus on the final two games of the season.
“The [crowd] reaction happened,” Van Dijk said. “He has to deal with it. We as a team have to deal with that as well.
“I wasn’t really expecting something, to be honest, but I think maybe he expected this. It’s not easy, not at all. We’re here for him anyway.
“We are gutted that he’s not here with us next year because he’s a fantastic player with outstanding, exceptional qualities that we have seen over the last seven years.”
The Dutchman also insisted that his situation and that of top scorer Mohamed Salah, 32, who also recently signed a new two-year deal, could not be compared to Alexander-Arnold’s position.
“Everyone shares different opinions and he feels like he has done it all, and he did it, and he wants to try something different,” Van Dijk said.
“You are speaking about one of the biggest clubs of all in Real Madrid, who he might go to as I read in the media.
“I was sorting my own stuff out. I had to secure my future as well and I was quite busy doing that.
“There were loads of other options, but Liverpool is the place for me.”
Read full article at source
Stay informed about this story by subscribing to our regular Newsletter
