Liverpool defender, Van Dijk has issued a word of appreciation to all those who showed him support to the point of emerging second on the 2019 Ballon d’Or award.
The award which was won by Lionel Messi saw Van Dijk rank ahead of Ronaldo.
Expressing how he feels, he wrote on his social media page: “Firstly I’d like to congratulate Lionel Messi on winning your historic sixth Ballon d’Or.
“As I also said last night at the ceremony, it’s important to sit back and admire greatness when it’s in front of you. Congratulations on another incredible year.
“On a personal level it was an honour to be nominated and I’m extremely proud to have come second and in the same company as two of the greatest players to ever play the game in Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
“We’ve enjoyed some good battles this year and I hope there will be many more to come.
“I am proud of my journey and I hope that my route in the game can help inspire others to always believe in yourself and never give up on your dreams.
“I am hungry for more success on the pitch and will be working as hard as I can to keep improving and to continue to strive to be the best that I can be.
“It’s been an incredible 2019 so far but none of this would have been possible without the love and support of my family, thank you for always being there.
“I must also say a huge thank you again to all of my team-mates at Liverpool and the national team.
“Finally thank you to everyone in the football world for all of your messages of support, it means a lot to me and my family.”